Kenyan team after winning the Grand Prize in the Cloud category at the 2025–2026 Global Finals in Shenzhen, China/HUAWEI
Kenya has secured its biggest success yet at the prestigious Huawei ICT Competition after a team of four university students won the coveted Grand Prize in the Cloud category at the 2025–2026 Global Finals in Shenzhen, China.
The Kenyan team emerged victorious against some of the world's top technology students after demonstrating outstanding technical expertise, innovation, teamwork and problem-solving skills during the global showdown.
The winning team comprised Kevin Tuei from Tharaka University, Catherine Atieno (Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology), Brian Ngugi Kamau (Mt Kenya University) and Salem Kim (Machakos University).
Their triumph came after months of competition that attracted more than 220,000 students and teachers from over 2,000 universities and colleges across more than 100 countries and regions.
Following national and regional elimination rounds, only the top-performing teams advanced to the global finals held in Shenzhen from June 2 to June 5.
More than 180 elite teams representing over 40 countries and regions competed in the final stage, showcasing skills in cloud computing, networking, artificial intelligence, computing and other emerging technologies.
Against this highly competitive field, Team Kenya distinguished itself to secure the Grand Prize, the highest honour awarded during the competition.
The achievement places Kenya among the leading nations in digital skills development and reflects the country's growing investment in science, technology and innovation.
The win demonstrates the increasing quality of ICT training in Kenyan universities and the ability of local students to compete successfully on the international stage.
Winners of the Huawei ICT competition in China/HUAWEI The Huawei ICT Competition is one of the world's largest technology contests for university students and serves as a platform for young innovators to test their skills, exchange ideas and gain exposure to emerging digital technologies.
Since its launch in 2015, participation has grown significantly, attracting students from every region of the world.
The competition is recognised internationally for promoting digital skills and innovation. It has been listed among China's national university competitions and is also recognised by UNESCO's Global Skills Academy as a flagship programme partner.
Organisers say the initiative aims to strengthen ICT knowledge, improve practical skills and prepare young people for careers in an increasingly digital global economy.
The theme of this year's competition was "Connection, Glory, Future", while participants competed under the slogan "I.C. The Future."
Huawei said the competition forms part of its broader commitment to developing ICT professionals in the age of artificial intelligence through partnerships with universities, educators and governments.
The Kenyan victory is expected to boost the country's standing within the global technology ecosystem and inspire more students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
It also highlights the growing collaboration between higher learning institutions, industry partners and government agencies in nurturing talent capable of driving digital transformation and innovation.
As the students return home with the prestigious award, their achievement is being celebrated as a landmark moment for Kenya's ICT sector and a powerful demonstration of the country's ability to produce globally competitive technology professionals.
