Ruto encourages university and college students to enter Huawei ICT competition
By Sharon Atieno, July 28, 2026President William Ruto has encouraged university and college students across the country to participate in the 11th Huawei ICT Competition, saying the programme presents an opportunity for young people to sharpen their digital skills and compete on the global stage.
Speaking during the 2026 Huawei ICT Competition Global Awards ceremony at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, Ruto lauded Kenya for becoming the first country to launch registration for the next edition of the global contest.
“I’m delighted that Kenya is the first country in the world to launch the registration for the 11th Huawei ICT Competition. I encourage every student in our universities and colleges to participate,” Ruto said.
His remarks came as three Kenyan universities returned home with global honours after excelling in this year’s Huawei ICT Competition, reinforcing the country’s growing reputation as a hub for digital talent and innovation.
Kenya strengthens digital skills
Ruto said the achievements by Kenyan students demonstrate the country’s increasing investment in digital skills and innovation, adding that such global competitions expose young people to emerging technologies while preparing them for the future job market.
The President’s call also comes as the government continues to promote digital transformation through partnerships with technology firms and institutions of higher learning.
Earlier on Tuesday, Information, Communications and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo invited Kenyans to submit views on the Draft Kenya Artificial Intelligence and Other Emerging Technologies Policy 2026.
Kabogo said the policy would guide the development, deployment and regulation of artificial intelligence while supporting innovation and safeguarding citizens’ rights.
Huawei ICT Academy has trained over 15,000 students
Ruto noted that Huawei’s ICT Academy programme has so far partnered with 61 universities and colleges across Kenya, training more than 15,000 students in digital skills.
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He also praised Kenyan students for excelling at the 2025/26 Huawei ICT Competition Global Final in Shenzhen, China, where the country won its first Grand Prize in the Cloud Track and an all-female team received the Women in Technology Award.
The President said the achievements demonstrate that Kenyan students can compete successfully on the global stage, reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening digital skills and innovation through partnerships with the private sector.
AI policy under public participation
The Cabinet Secretary said public participation would help shape how Kenya develops digital talent and strengthens its competitiveness in the global digital economy.
He invited innovators, universities, researchers, software developers, entrepreneurs, students and members of the public to review the draft policy before the August 4 deadline.
Ruto’s call for students to participate in the Huawei ICT Competition aligns with the government’s broader efforts to build a digitally skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and positioning Kenya as a regional leader in technology.