The Kenya School of TVET, in collaboration with Huawei Technologies (Kenya) Limited, celebrated the successful conclusion of the first phase of the groundbreaking “Train the Trainer” program of 65 TVET Trainers from 58 TVET Institutions. This transformative initiative reinforces the vital partnership between global technology leader Huawei and Kenya’s technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector, aimed at equipping trainers with cutting-edge ICT skills to drive innovation and digital transformation.
Over the past 10 days, 65 trainers underwent rigorous training in two ICT fields, ie. Artificial intelligence, & Data communications. These essential skills align with the demands of the global job market, the digital economy, and Industry 4.0. Trainers were urged to utilize their expertise to establish Huawei ICT Academies in their institutions, cascade knowledge to trainees and communities, and ensure that Kenya’s ICT workforce remains competitive on the global stage.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Principal Secretary for the State Department for TVET emphasized the significance of strategic partnerships in advancing Kenya’s ICT ecosystem. “The future of Kenya’s economy depends on our ability to equip our youth with the skills necessary to thrive in a digital world. Through this partnership with Huawei, we are not only creating opportunities for trainers but also ensuring that the ripple effects will benefit students, industries, and communities across the country. Our vision is to make Kenya a hub of technological excellence in Africa, and this initiative is a critical step toward achieving that goal,”
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“This program underscores the growing synergy between technology leaders like Huawei and our technical training institutions. Huawei’s unwavering commitment to advancing digital skills and capacity building is a testament to their dedication to fostering innovation and driving growth within our education and ICT sectors,” the PS stated.
The Principal Secretary also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to nurturing local talent and fostering innovation through capacity-building programs, calling for continued collaboration with private sector partners to expand the reach and impact of such initiatives.
The collaboration between Huawei and the State Department for TVET dates back to July 2021, when a Letter of Intent was signed, leading to the establishment of 11 Huawei ICT Academies. Building on this foundation, the Kenya School of TVET was launched in May 2024 as an Academy Support Center in China, further cementing the partnership. The 65 trainers trained in this phase will spearhead ICT programs in their institutions.
The State Department reaffirmed its commitment to investing in the program, highlighting plans to finalize a Memorandum of Understanding with Huawei Technologies. This agreement will provide a structured framework to sustain and enhance ICT talent development within the Kenya School of TVET sector.
The official also celebrated Kenya’s recent success in the 2024 Huawei ICT Competition held in China, where two trainers—Mr. Orina and Ms. Joyline—secured first-place victories across various tracks. The hope was expressed that future competitions would see greater student participation, as a measure of the program’s long-term impact.
As the program progressed, trainers were tasked with five key mandates: establishing ICT Academies, cascading training to communities, managing academies to ensure technological relevance, maintaining accurate trainee data, and providing regular progress reports. This structured approach is designed to ensure that Kenya remains a leader in ICT education and talent development.
The Principal Secretary concluded by highlighting the importance of leveraging Huawei’s expertise to ensure Kenya’s ICT curriculum remains dynamic and industry-relevant. “With the right partnerships, we can turn the challenges of today into the opportunities of tomorrow. I am confident that this program will unlock the immense potential of our trainers, students, and innovators, and position Kenya as a leader in the global digital economy,” the PS said.
This milestone represents a significant step toward building a robust ICT talent ecosystem in Kenya, with Huawei Technologies at the forefront of this transformation.
