Kenya has achieved a major milestone in the global technology arena after a team of four university students won the coveted Grand Prize at the Huawei ICT Competition 2025–2026 Global Finals held in Shenzhen, China, marking the first time a Kenyan team has secured the top award since the competition was launched a decade ago.
The historic victory was announced by Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, William Kabogo, who hailed the achievement as a testament to the country’s growing capacity in innovation, technology, and digital skills development.
Speaking after the team’s triumph, Kabogo expressed pride in the students’ remarkable performance on the international stage, noting that their success demonstrated Kenya’s emergence as a competitive force in the global digital economy.
“I am proud to congratulate Team Kenya for their outstanding achievement of winning the Grand Prize at the Huawei ICT Competition 2025–2026 Global Finals in Shenzhen, China,” said the Cabinet Secretary.
Recognition Before Departure
The victory comes only days after the students were officially recognised during the Connected Africa Summit 2026, where Kabogo awarded and encouraged them before their departure to represent the country at the prestigious global contest.
“Today, they have returned with the highest honour in the competition, making history as the first Kenyan team to win the Grand Prize since the competition began ten years ago,” he said.
Team Kenya’s Winning Quartet
The winning team comprised Kevin Tuei from Tharaka University, Catherine Atieno from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Brian Ngugi Kamau from Mount Kenya University, and Salem Kim from Machakos University.
The students competed against some of the brightest ICT talents from across the globe, showcasing advanced technical expertise, innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities throughout the competition.
Growing Strength of Kenya’s Digital Ecosystem
Industry observers say the achievement highlights the growing quality of technology education in Kenya and reflects the impact of increased investments in digital literacy, innovation hubs, and ICT training programmes across universities and other institutions of higher learning.
Kabogo noted that the students’ accomplishment reinforces the government’s commitment to equipping young people with digital skills that can unlock employment opportunities and drive economic transformation.
“Their success reinforces our belief that investing in digital skills, innovation, and technology education is key to unlocking opportunities for our youth and positioning Kenya as a global leader in the digital economy,” he said.
The Cabinet Secretary also commended the institutions, mentors, and partners who played a role in nurturing the students’ talents, singling out Huawei for its continued support in developing world-class ICT skills among Kenyan youth.
Huawei ICT Competition
The Huawei ICT Competition has become one of the world’s leading platforms for technology students, attracting participants from dozens of countries and providing opportunities for young innovators to demonstrate their knowledge in networking, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies.
Boost for Kenya’s Digital Ambitions
Kenya’s victory is expected to further boost confidence in the country’s technology sector and inspire more students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The achievement also aligns with the government’s Digital Superhighway agenda, which seeks to expand digital infrastructure, enhance connectivity, promote innovation, and create opportunities for young people in the digital economy.
As celebrations continue across the country, leaders and stakeholders in the ICT sector have described the win as a defining moment for Kenya’s technological advancement and a signal that Kenyan talent can successfully compete with the best in the world.
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“Kenya’s greatest resource is its people,” Kabogo said. “The future is bright, and our young innovators are proving that they can compete and excel on any stage in the world.”
A Defining Moment for Kenya
The historic triumph has not only brought international recognition to the four students and their universities but has also positioned Kenya as an emerging hub for digital innovation and technological excellence in Africa and beyond.
By Felix Njenga
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