Kenya has emerged as the Grand Prize winner at the Huawei ICT Competition 2025–2026 Global Finals held in Shenzhen, China.
The victory represents the first time Kenya has secured the competition's highest award since the global contest was launched 10 years ago.
According to the ICT Authority, the winning team comprised Kevin Tuei of Tharaka University, Catherine Atieno of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Brian Ngugi Kamau of Mount Kenya University, and Salem Kim of Machakos University.
The students competed against top university innovators from more than 40 countries and regions, demonstrating exceptional technical expertise, innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
The Huawei ICT Competition is one of the world's largest technology skills competitions, bringing together university students to test their knowledge and practical abilities in areas such as networking, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and emerging technologies.
Participants are required to solve real-world technology challenges, develop innovative solutions, and showcase their ability to apply ICT skills in practical scenarios.
Following national and regional elimination rounds, only the top-performing teams advanced to the global finals held in Shenzhen, China, from June 2 to June 5.
More than 180 elite teams representing over 40 countries and regions competed at the final stage, showcasing their technical expertise, innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving capabilities through a series of practical and real-world technology challenges.
The competition aims to strengthen digital skills, promote innovation, and prepare young professionals for careers in the rapidly evolving technology sector. Students progress through national and regional rounds before qualifying for the global finals, where they compete against some of the best young ICT talent from around the world.
The ICT Authority CEO Jessy Maruti, described the win as a significant milestone that highlights Kenya's growing strength in digital skills development and innovation.
Maruti noted that the achievement aligns with the government's digital transformation agenda and underscores the importance of continued investment in digital skills, innovation, and emerging technologies.
He further commended the students, their universities, mentors, Huawei, and all stakeholders who have played a role in nurturing the next generation of ICT professionals.
The students were among those recognized by Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, William Kabogo, during the Connected Africa Summit before travelling to China to represent Kenya at the global finals.
Their historic triumph further cements Kenya's growing reputation as a hub for innovation, technology, and world-class digital talent. The achievement also reflects the increasing competitiveness of Kenyan students in global technology arenas and is expected to inspire more young people to pursue careers in ICT, innovation, and emerging technologies.
The win comes as Kenya continues to position itself as a regional leader in digital transformation, with growing investments in digital infrastructure, innovation hubs, artificial intelligence, and technology skills development aimed at preparing the workforce for the future digital economy.
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