Huawei Kenya has announced its sponsorship and expanded support for the World Skills Kenya National Competition, which kicked off on Monday, August 19th. The event, hosted at the Kenya School of TVET, marks a crucial collaboration between Huawei and Kenya’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector.
Huawei’s sponsorship includes providing training for students in five critical skill tracks: IT Networking, Cybersecurity, IT Software, Information Network Cabling, and Mobile Applications Development. This expanded support underscores Huawei’s commitment to enhancing the quality of technical education in Kenya, aligning with the country’s broader goals of nurturing a highly skilled workforce.
The World Skills Kenya National Competition, led by Dr. Kipkirui Langat, Director General of the TVET Authority, is part of an international initiative aimed at fostering excellence in technical skills. The competition was officially opened by Hon. Julius Ogamba, Cabinet Secretary for Education, who highlighted the importance of the event in equipping participants with global best practices. “Each participant will have the opportunity to learn from international best practices and gain invaluable insights to enrich their skills,” Ogamba stated. “Participants will engage in practical simulations, problem-solving exercises, and collaborative projects that highlight the transformative capabilities of their skills.”
Dr. Esther Muoria, Principal Secretary for the State Department of TVET, emphasized Kenya’s readiness to supply the world with skilled professionals. “We are here, making a statement to the world that we are coming up with the requisite skills; the world should be here, investing in Kenya because we have pools of skilled people,” she remarked.
During the event, Huawei also formally handed over a plaque to the Kenya School of TVET (KSTVET), marking the institution’s new role as an ICT Academy Support Centre (IASC). This new role is part of a recently signed agreement with Huawei, which will see the tech giant provide support for KSTVET lecturers, trainers, and equipment. This support will enable KSTVET to train TVET lecturers and trainers across the country, further broadening the reach of ICT education.
Adam Lane, Director of Government Affairs at Huawei Kenya, spoke about the company’s commitment to expanding its training programs in Kenya. “We currently work with 10 National Polytechnics and have trained 20 lecturers, who in turn have trained over 280 students,” Lane said. “But we believe we need to do more, and the partnerships with World Skills Kenya and KSTVET will help us expand our training programs nationwide, providing critical ICT skills for youth.”
In addition to its involvement in the World Skills Kenya competition, Huawei is collaborating with the TVET Authority (TVETA) and Konza Technopolis on the Jitume Project. This initiative includes not only training but also the provision of smart classroom and internet solutions in two TVET institutions in Kakamega. These efforts are part of Huawei’s broader strategy to ensure that Kenya’s youth are equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Huawei’s ongoing support for Kenya’s TVET sector is a testament to the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing education and technology. As the technological landscape continues to evolve, such collaborations are vital in ensuring that Kenya remains competitive on the global stage. Through initiatives like the World Skills Kenya competition, Huawei is helping to build a future where Kenyan youth are at the forefront of innovation and technological advancement.
