KAKAMEGA, Kenya – Huawei Kenya has launched two digital hubs in Kakamega County, a move aimed at equipping young people with digital skills and expanding internet access as part of Kenya’s broader digital transformation strategy.
The hubs, situated at Kakamega and Shianda Polytechnics, were unveiled through a partnership involving Huawei, Konza Technopolis, and the Ministry of ICT.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and ICT Cabinet Secretary Margaret Ndung’u presided over the launch.
Huawei Kenya Deputy CEO Steven Zang said the initiative aligns with the company’s global goal of bridging the digital divide, highlighting significant strides already achieved.
“We promised to connect 120 million additional people to the internet globally by December 2025. I am proud to share that we exceeded this target a year early. By the end of October 2024, Huawei brought connectivity to 121 million people in rural areas across nearly 80 countries, including 34 of the world’s least developed nations,” Zang said.
The hubs are part of a larger strategy to provide practical digital education using existing infrastructure.
Huawei’s Government Affairs Deputy CEO, Adam Lane, emphasized the importance of combining connectivity with skill-building initiatives to ensure real impact.
“We are leveraging our expertise and resources to develop more hubs across Kenya. By partnering with TVET institutions, we utilize existing fibre networks and facilities to deliver efficient digital learning programs,” Lane said.
He added that Huawei plans to open more than 20 additional schools in January, including special needs schools, where students will gain hands-on training in assistive digital technologies.
The government views the initiative as integral to empowering Kenya’s youth.
Prime CS Mudavadi emphasized the role of digital infrastructure in fostering job opportunities and economic growth.
“This is an opportunity to use technology to transform our businesses and create jobs. The government remains committed to integrating technology into the education system to expand e-learning in all institutions,” Mudavadi said, urging stakeholders to invest further in digital infrastructure.
Kakamega Governor Fernandez Barasa echoed this sentiment, noting that ICT is central to driving development across sectors and improving public service delivery.
“Digital information is bridging gaps faster than ever imagined. ICT will be a critical pillar in Kakamega’s transformation agenda,” said Barasa.
The launch comes against the backdrop of Kenya’s ongoing Jitume program, which aims to provide digital skills to youth and expand employment opportunities.
So far, the initiative has created 450,000 jobs, with a target of 1 million.
The government also plans to establish 1,450 digital hubs nationwide, 274 of which are already operational.
The hubs, situated at Kakamega and Shianda Polytechnics, were unveiled through a partnership involving Huawei, Konza Technopolis, and the Ministry of ICT.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and ICT Cabinet Secretary Margaret Ndung’u presided over the launch.
Huawei Kenya Deputy CEO Steven Zang said the initiative aligns with the company’s global goal of bridging the digital divide, highlighting significant strides already achieved.
“We promised to connect 120 million additional people to the internet globally by December 2025. I am proud to share that we exceeded this target a year early. By the end of October 2024, Huawei brought connectivity to 121 million people in rural areas across nearly 80 countries, including 34 of the world’s least developed nations,” Zang said.
The hubs are part of a larger strategy to provide practical digital education using existing infrastructure.
Huawei’s Government Affairs Deputy CEO, Adam Lane, emphasized the importance of combining connectivity with skill-building initiatives to ensure real impact.
“We are leveraging our expertise and resources to develop more hubs across Kenya. By partnering with TVET institutions, we utilize existing fibre networks and facilities to deliver efficient digital learning programs,” Lane said.
He added that Huawei plans to open more than 20 additional schools in January, including special needs schools, where students will gain hands-on training in assistive digital technologies.
The government views the initiative as integral to empowering Kenya’s youth.
Prime CS Mudavadi emphasized the role of digital infrastructure in fostering job opportunities and economic growth.
“This is an opportunity to use technology to transform our businesses and create jobs. The government remains committed to integrating technology into the education system to expand e-learning in all institutions,” Mudavadi said, urging stakeholders to invest further in digital infrastructure.
Kakamega Governor Fernandez Barasa echoed this sentiment, noting that ICT is central to driving development across sectors and improving public service delivery.
“Digital information is bridging gaps faster than ever imagined. ICT will be a critical pillar in Kakamega’s transformation agenda,” said Barasa.
The launch comes against the backdrop of Kenya’s ongoing Jitume program, which aims to provide digital skills to youth and expand employment opportunities.
So far, the initiative has created 450,000 jobs, with a target of 1 million.
The government also plans to establish 1,450 digital hubs nationwide, 274 of which are already operational.
