By MIKE OMUODO

Huawei ICT Academy held a successful instructor workshop bringing together key instructors and stakeholders from across the country, and providing a platform for knowledge exchange, updates on academy programs, and a roadmap for the future of ICT education in Kenya.

Ms. Fang Zheng, Huawei’s Human Resource Director, officially opened the workshop. She emphasized the critical role that the academy plays in addressing the country’s ICT skill gaps, highlighting the importance of continuous professional development for instructors.

“We believe in empowering instructors with the tools and knowledge to produce world-class ICT talent. Today’s workshop is a testament to Huawei’s long-term commitment to digital education in Kenya,” stated Ms. Zheng

The first session was led by Mr. Michael Kamau, Huawei ICT Academy Manager and Mr. Yuta Leng Public Relations Expert, who provided an in-depth review of the academy’s progress over the past year. Key points of discussion included the Huawei ICT Academy’s growth and achievements, as well as insights into the upcoming Huawei ICT Competition for 2024-2025. The competition, which aims to foster innovation and technical skills among Kenyan students, was introduced with a strong focus on preparing participants for the challenges and opportunities of the digital world.

Huawei ICT Competition

Huawei announced that the 9th Edition of the Huawei ICT Competition is open and free for registration. Interested students can participate in the Practice Track (Network, Cloud and Computing Tracks) or the A.I Innovation Track. After registration the ICT Competition participants will be provided with an advanced training and e-learning platform to prepare for a National Final in 2024 and a Regional and Global Final Round in 2025.

This year Huawei also announced the launch of the Instructor Competition designed to Accumulate excellent experiment cases to promote the integration of key technologies such as A.I and Cloud. The instructor competition will also promote excellent teachers by setting excellent global benchmarks, enhance self-motivation of partner instructors, and promote the operation of ICT Academies.

Additionally, the workshop covered a review of the academy’s key performance indicators (KPIs) for the last quarter, as well as a calendar preview for the upcoming academic year. This review was essential in assessing the academy’s impact on Kenya’s ICT talent ecosystem and in setting clear targets for the year ahead.

The workshop featured a case presentation on best practices for managing professional exam centers, focusing on Huawei Certified ICT Professional (HCIP) and Huawei Certified ICT Expert (HCIE) certifications. These globally recognized certifications are essential for individuals seeking advanced careers in ICT, and the presentation provided insights on streamlining the exam process, maintaining high standards, and increasing student success rates. Following the presentation, an open discussion was held, where attendees explored ways to enhance the quality of education within the academy.

The workshop is part of Huawei’s ongoing efforts to support the development of ICT education in Kenya. Since the establishment of its first ICT Academy in 2017, Huawei has continuously worked with Kenyan academic institutions to build a strong talent pipeline in the country. The Huawei ICT Academy program has since expanded significantly, training thousands of students and instructors and offering access to Huawei’s cutting-edge technology and global expertise.

The workshop concluded with an acknowledgment of the participants’ contributions and a call to action for continued collaboration between Huawei and local educational institutions to create a robust ICT ecosystem in Kenya.

About Huawei ICT Academy

Huawei ICT Academy is a global initiative that partners with educational institutions to deliver industry-leading ICT training and certification programs. Through its partnerships with universities and colleges, Huawei is building a robust talent ecosystem that supports digital transformation efforts in more than 70 countries, including Kenya. The academy offers students access to world-class resources, certification opportunities, and career development in key ICT areas such as networking, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence.

By JULIUS MBALUTO 

Kenyan Lawyer turned activist Morara Kebaso was attacked by goons at Bomas of Kenya Nairobi. He was attending public participation happening countrywide gaining views of Kenyans pertaining the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Videos captured show chairs and other objects being thrown at him before the police got him out of the venue. Morara had been barred at the gate and when he got in at the Bomas of Kenya, he was denied the chance to address Kenyans and share his views. On his X-Platform, Morara said; 

“I was barred from entering Bomas at the gate. When I finally got in, I was denied the mic at Bomas floor. Chaos erupted. I am hurt. Headed to hospital. I live to speak another day,” his post read.

Previously, Morara was captured telling Kenyans that the impeachment process was a divisionary tactic used by the government to divert attention on importance issues like the implementation of SHA and the controversy surrounding JKA -Adani deal. He had argued the impeachment should be for both Deputy President and the President as they were chosen on one ticket. 

The public participation goes on with reports of chaos emerging in different parts of the country. 

The United Kingdom (UK), in partnership with Kenya, is seeking to create a gateway to African investment opportunities by enhancing trade and economic diplomacy between the two nations.

State Department for Investment Promotions Principal Secretary (PS), Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, stated that his department is working with the British Chambers of Commerce and the UK Embassy to allow the set-up of business organisations in both countries.

“Kenya and the UK enjoy a warm relationship based on our strategic partnership, and our focus is on economic diplomacy, where we are strengthening our investment and trade relationships,” he said.

Speaking in Nairobi on Tuesday during a UK-Kenya Trade Mission meeting, the PS revealed that Kenya not only has a bilateral investment treaty with the UK but also a double taxation and trade agreement with the country.

“These are three essential instruments needed to support any investment relationships with a foreign investor,” noted Abubakar.

He revealed that with continued partnership with the UK, the country has been able to be one of the largest foreign investors in Kenya.

“Currently, we have over 150 British enterprises in Kenya in different sectors all over the country, and we are looking for more opportunities,” Abubakar noted.

The PS mentioned that the government, through the Ministry, has come up with many reforms in the business environment through the Finance Bill and the Business Amendment Bill.

“Our investment opportunities rely on our economic model, which is based on our five pillars for development, such as universal healthcare, affordable housing, agricultural modernisation, the green economy, and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) development,” he added.

Abubakar revealed that Kenya has been rated the 29^th fastest-growing economy in the world, number three in Sub-Saharan Africa in terms of ease of doing business, and number one in Africa when it comes to startup funding.

“In 2023, we managed to secure US$ 300 million to support startups, and we are also number one in Africa in terms of the quality of human capital,” he added.

The Deputy Head of Mission, Kenya High Commission to London, Dr. Joseph Warui, announced that the Kenyan diaspora is not only a vibrant economic community but also an invaluable asset that continues to contribute significantly to both countries.

“Their total remittances to Kenya from the diaspora in 2023 amounted to US$ 4.26 billion, and this marked a significant increase in remittances compared to the previous years,” he said.

Warui revealed that the UK is looking to invest in Kenya not out of sentiment but with strategic foresight to gain a deep understanding of the local market.

“By aligning with diaspora members, UK investors can tap into vast opportunities and leverage their business insights and local network for mutual benefits,” he noted.

The launch of the 2024 UK and Kenya Trade Mission seeks to create an enabling environment to connect, engage, invest, and collaborate with various businesses to enhance trade not only between the two nations but also the global community. By Mwendwa Mwenda and Manu Mumba  KNA