25th May,2025| By KURIAN MUSA
Egerton University students have raised the Kenyan flag high after emerging third in the Innovation category at the prestigious Huawei ICT Competition 2024/2025 Global Finals held in Shenzhen, China.
Final verdict announced yesterday, the team, comprising; Karimi Muriithi, Denis Syengo, and Peterson Kariuki—demonstrated exceptional skill in designing an innovative AI-powered solution that impressed an international panel of judges.
Speaking after the event, Dr. Bosire Zachary, Chair of the Department of Computer Science at Egerton University noted that, “This achievement is a reflection of what focused mentorship, rigorous training, and student determination can accomplish. We are proud of our team and what it means for Egerton.”
The departments mentorship and technical guidance was instrumental in shaping the team's vision and preparing them for the global stage.
The Kenyan delegation to China was led by Youth and Creative Economy Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs and Ambassador to China Willy Bett, affirming the government’s commitment to nurturing youth talent and promoting innovation.
“In response to the evolving landscape of technology and artificial intelligence, the Government of Kenya has implemented deliberate reforms to keep pace with global trends,” said PS Jacobs Fikirini during a panel discussion on expanding access to technology and emerging skills in underserved areas.
“A key milestone was the adoption of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in 2017, replacing the traditional education model. This shift aligns our curriculum with industry demands and practical skills. As a result, the government has increased investment in technical and vocational training institutions, complementing universities that have traditionally offered more conservative programs. Through the CBC, we’ve created pathways for learners to engage with emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, and computer science, especially in marginalized regions," said Fikirini.
The Huawei ICT Competition is a flagship global event that attracted over 210,000 students and teachers from more than 2,000 universities across 48 countries.
From Kenya alone, over 6,000 students registered, but only 12 advanced to represent the country in the finals. The Innovation category challenges participants to apply emerging technologies such as AI and IoT to solve real-world problems.
Team Egerton’s project stood out for its creativity, practical application, and strong presentation. Their success reinforces Egerton University’s commitment to academic excellence, research, and global competitiveness in science and technology.
Egerton University , led by Vice Chancellor Prof Isaac Ongubo Kibwage continues to support young innovators participation in global platforms that promote innovation, digital skills and creativity
