Five Kenyan university students have returned from China after a week-long immersion in advanced ICT training and cultural exchange through Huawei’s global flagship program, Seeds for the Future 2025.
The students, drawn from leading local universities, were selected for their academic excellence and leadership in technology and joined their peers from Brazil, Namibia, Portugal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Madagascar for the program which was held between 21st and 25th July.
Kenya was represented by Shem Machii Ngunjiri (Dedan Kimathi University of Technology), Sophy Cherono Rop (United States International University–Africa), Huldah Mwihaki Kaura (Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology), Mungai Erick Gachuhi (Moi University), and Samuel Ochor Ogeno (University of Nairobi).
During the program, the students received hands-on training in emerging technologies such as 5G, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, and Smart City solutions.
They also toured Huawei’s Exhibition Halls, the Smart Government Showcase in Longgang, and visited drone manufacturer DJI’s headquarters, offering them first-hand exposure to innovative tech ecosystems.
Speaking at the returning ceremony in Nairobi, one of the students Samuel Ochor used a metaphor to describe the transformative experience: “A seed starts in the dark, buried in the soil unseen, uncertain, unimportant, but full of potential. With time, care, water, air, and the right environment, it sprouts, grows, and eventually becomes something impactful. Thank you, Huawei Seeds for the Future, for providing the fertile ground for our minds to flourish.”
His sentiments were echoed by fellow participant Huldah Mwihaki Kaura, who remarked that the opportunity to interact with global experts and fellow students from across the world expanded their minds and deepened their appreciation of how innovation can drive real change, describing how the blend of learning and cultural exploration made this an unforgettable journey.
Meanwhile, the Seeds for the Future program integrates technical training, exposure to real world innovation, and cultural immersion. Students engage with industry leaders in forums such as roundtable discussions on careers and entrepreneurship in AI and these global interactions help build professional networks and broaden students’ horizons.
In the foregoing, the ICT Academy Program Manager at Huawei Technologies Kenya Michael Kamau, lauded the students’ participation and growth as he expressed his satisfaction to support this transformative learning journey.
“These bright minds represent the future of Kenya’s digital landscape, and through programs like Seeds for the Future, we’re proud to equip them with the skills, global exposure, and networks they need to lead Africa’s tech-driven growth,” he said.
Since its launch in 2008, Seeds for the Future has benefited over 15,000 students from more than 140 countries.
In addition, Kenya has been a participant since 2014, with dozens of alumni contributing to Kenya’s and continent’s ICT development.
The initiative is part of Huawei’s Corporate Social Responsibility efforts to bridge the digital divide through youth empowerment, skills development, and cross-cultural exchange.
By Naif Rashid
