Huawei Kenya has successfully hosted a Cybersecurity Awareness and ICT Competition at Kiambu National Polytechnic, bringing together students, government officials and technology stakeholders to promote digital safety, innovation and practical ICT skills development.
The event drew National Cybersecurity Authority Chairperson Dr Martin Koyabe, officials from the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy and Huawei Kenya’s Director of Policy and Partnerships, Adam Lane, among other distinguished guests.
The forum came at a time when Kenya is accelerating its digital transformation, with cybersecurity awareness and practical ICT skills becoming increasingly essential to protecting the country’s digital infrastructure, strengthening public trust and supporting economic growth.
Organisers said the initiative provided a platform to enhance cybersecurity awareness among young people while bridging the gap between classroom learning and industry requirements through practical exposure to emerging technologies.
Speaking during the event, Huawei Kenya’s Director of Policy and Partnerships, Adam Lane, said the company remains committed to nurturing local digital talent and building a resilient technology ecosystem.
“At Huawei, we believe that technology must serve people, and that begins with equipping young Kenyans with the right skills and the right mindset,” said Lane.
“Through initiatives such as this ICT Competition, we are not only exposing students to emerging technologies but also helping them understand the critical importance of cybersecurity. Our goal is to work hand in hand with the government and training institutions to build a safer, more inclusive and more resilient digital economy,” he said.
Lane added that partnerships between industry and learning institutions were key to closing the skills gap and preparing young people for careers in a fast-changing digital world.
On his part, National Cybersecurity Authority Chairperson Dr. Martin Koyabe underscored the growing need for a cyber-aware population, noting that security in the digital space is now a shared responsibility.
“Cybersecurity is no longer the concern of ICT experts alone. Every student, every institution and every individual who interacts with the digital environment has a role to play in protecting it,” said Dr. Koyabe.
“As we advance Kenya’s digital agenda, we must invest in awareness and practical skills among our young people. Competitions such as this one help us identify and nurture the talent that will defend our digital infrastructure and drive innovation in the years ahead,” he said.
Dr. Koyabe commended Huawei and other industry partners for complementing government efforts in capacity building and public awareness, adding that collaboration between the public and private sectors remains central to securing the country’s digital future.
Students who participated in the competition welcomed the opportunity, describing it as a rare chance to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges and interact with industry professionals.
Many said the exposure had sharpened their interest in pursuing careers in security operations, network security, data protection and software development.
The competition tested participants on practical ICT skills, innovation and problem-solving, with the best performers recognised for their creativity and technical competence.
The engagement reflects wider national efforts to strengthen Kenya’s cybersecurity ecosystem through policy, capacity building and public awareness, anchored on frameworks such as the Kenya Cybersecurity Strategy, the Data Protection Act and the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act.
Through initiatives such as the ICT Competition, Huawei continues to support Kenya’s digital talent development, empowering young people to pursue careers in technology and cybersecurity, while contributing to a safer, more resilient and inclusive digital economy.
By Grace Naishoo
