How JKUAT Students Led Kenya to Historic First Win at Huawei Global ICT Competition

Nairobi — Students from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) led Kenya to its first-ever Grand Prize at the 2026 Huawei Global ICT Competition in Shenzhen, China, President William Ruto announced on Monday July, 27.

Speaking at a celebratory reception at State House, Nairobi, on 27 July, President Ruto praised the students for raising Kenya’s flag high on the global stage. He said their achievement confirmed the country’s rising status as an international digital talent powerhouse.

JKUAT’s Catherine Atieno, competing with peers from Tharaka University, Mount Kenya University and Machakos University, secured the Grand Prize in the Cloud Track. The win marks Kenya’s first top prize since it began participating in the competition.

The Huawei Global ICT Competition brings together leading university students worldwide to solve advanced technology challenges. JKUAT’s strong performance placed the Kenyan team at the forefront of the Cloud Track category and delivered a historic result for the country.

President Ruto highlighted the contribution of JKUAT students in particular, describing them as top performers whose success reflects Kenya’s growing strength in information and communications technology.

The victory underscores the rising profile of Kenyan universities, with JKUAT playing a central role in the landmark achievement.