The first nine Kenyan students have travelled to China as part of the Huawei “Seeds for the Future” scheme, run in collaboration with the Kenyan Ministry of ICT.
The aim of the programme is to provide engineering students from various Kenyan universities to further their skills, learn the latest technologies and learn about Chinese language and culture.
“Kenya is already a leader in ICT on the continent and we want to ensure that we maintain this leadership and also grow the momentum internationally. This programme is a reflection of not only our focus on developing local skills but on the government’s commitment in working with the private sector,” said Kenya ICT Authority acting chief executive officer (CEO) Victor Kyalo.
“For Kenya to compete globally in technology, there is a continued need to nurture local ICT talent, enhance knowledge transfer while promoting a greater understanding of and interest in the telecommunications sector.”
The Huawei programme has thus far been implemented in more than 30 countries, though Kenya is the first African country to benefit.
“Huawei is committed to developing ICT talent in Africa and beyond by collaborating with local governments, higher education institutions and other organisations for students to study and experience future technologies at the firm’s headquarters in China,” Huawei Kenya CEO Dean Yu said.