President William Ruto has revealed that the Huawei ICT Academy programme has equipped more than 15,000 students from 61 universities and colleges across Kenya with digital skills.

Speaking at the Huawei ICT Awards ceremony held at State House, Nairobi, on July 28, 2026, Ruto also announced that Kenya is the first country worldwide to open registration for the 11th Huawei ICT Competition.

Encouraging Participation

The President urged students from universities, technical colleges, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to register for the competition, emphasizing the importance of such platforms in enhancing ICT skills.

Celebrating Kenyan Achievements

The event also honoured Kenyan teams that took part in the 2025/26 Huawei ICT Competition Global Final in Shenzhen, China. Kenya secured its inaugural Grand Prize in the Cloud Track through a combined team from Tharaka University, Machakos University, Mount Kenya University, and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. Additionally, an all-female Kenyan team received a Women in Technology Award.

The 10th edition of the competition attracted over 220,000 participants from more than 2,000 tertiary institutions spanning over 100 countries. A total of 177 teams from 49 countries advanced to the global final.

President Ruto remarked, "What you have achieved in this Huawei competition has confirmed to us that we can compete anywhere with anybody," highlighting the global competitiveness of Kenyan students.

About Huawei ICT Academy

Huawei ICT Academy partners with educational institutions to offer training, professional certification, and hands-on digital skills development.

Commitment to Education Funding

During the event, Ruto reiterated his administration's plan to fully fund students admitted to universities and TVET institutions. He noted that amendments to the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) programme are underway to enable full course funding for all qualifying students.

Addressing concerns about the cost of this initiative, the President stated, "If you think education is expensive, then try ignorance and you will know which one is more expensive." The proposed changes will require legal amendments and a clear funding structure before implementation.