Catherine Atieno of JKUAT, Salim Kim of Machakos University, Brian Ngugi of Mount Kenya University and their instructor, Kevin Tuei, after beating more than 220,000 students from around the world to win the Huawei Global ICT Competition award. Photo/Courtesy
By Lawrence Ongaro
Mount Kenya University (MKU) has strengthened its reputation as a global leader in technology education after recording remarkable achievements in China and the United States while also expanding its international partnerships.
The most notable achievement came at the Huawei ICT Competition Global Finals held in Shenzhen, China, where a Kenyan team made history by winning the grand prize against more than 220,000 participants from over 100 countries and regions. The winning team comprised Catherine Atieno of JKUAT, Salem Kim of Machakos University and Brian Ngugi of MKU, under the guidance of instructor Kevin Tuei.
Their victory marked the first time a Kenyan team had secured the competition’s highest honour, demonstrating the country’s growing capacity in advanced technology fields. The annual competition, organized by Huawei in partnership with universities and UNESCO’s International Bureau of Education, evaluates students’ expertise in networking, cloud computing, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.
The 10th edition attracted a record number of contestants from more than 2,000 institutions worldwide. Following national and regional contests, only 177 teams from 49 countries advanced to the global finals.
Industry stakeholders hailed the achievement as proof that Kenya is increasingly becoming a competitive player in global technology and innovation. The success also highlighted the growing role of young Africans, particularly women, in shaping the future of digital transformation.
Speaking during the awards ceremony, Huawei officials emphasized the importance of nurturing ICT talent through practical learning and innovation. UNESCO representatives also commended the participants for applying emerging technologies to solve real-world challenges while demonstrating creativity and responsibility.
EcoScrubber innovation earns global recognition in America
MKU also gained international recognition through another student-led innovation at the prestigious Wege Prize 2026 competition in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA.
A team of four MKU students won a finalist award and a cash prize of $2,500 (about Sh323,650) for developing EcoScrubber, a hybrid emission-control and carbon-capture system that converts harmful pollutants from incinerator chimneys into usable construction materials.
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The team consisted of Wesley Njenga, Franklin Mwendwa, Elijah Maina and Ejike Chinyere from the School of Public Health. They emerged among the top five teams invited to present their ideas in the United States after competing against 87 teams from more than 30 countries representing nearly 200 academic disciplines.
The Wege Prize, organized by Ferris State University’s Kendall College of Art and Design, challenges students to develop innovative solutions based on the principles of the circular economy, including waste reduction, resource reuse and environmental regeneration.
The inspiration for EcoScrubber came from a simple observation in Thika, where the students witnessed a truck emitting thick black smoke. Concerned about the health and environmental effects, they explored whether such emissions could be captured and transformed into useful products. The idea was later refined at MKU’s Innovation and Incubation Centre.
Team leader Wesley Njenga praised the university for supporting their journey to the global stage, noting that the competition offered an opportunity to showcase Kenyan innovation alongside some of the world’s best ideas. MKU’s Head of Innovations, Intellectual Property and Community Engagement, Donatus Njoroge, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to helping the students commercialize their invention through technical support and international exposure.
MKU expands global footprint through China partnership
Beyond student achievements, MKU further expanded its international reach by signing a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Nanjing, China, with Nanjing Vocational College of Information Technology (NJCIT) and Nanjing Zhongxing Xinyanda Information Technology Co.
The agreement will enable MKU to offer globally accredited and internationally recognized programmes in emerging technologies, helping students gain industry-relevant skills that meet global standards.
NJCIT Principal Prof. Kong Jie described the partnership as an important step in strengthening China-Africa cooperation in vocational education while promoting technical excellence and cultural exchange.
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MKU Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Research Affairs, Dr. Mercyline Kamande, said the collaboration would enhance institutional capacity through specialized training programmes, particularly in artificial intelligence. The initiative will expose faculty members to advanced technologies and international best practices.
In recognition of MKU’s contribution to applied education and international collaboration, NJCIT awarded Visiting Professor titles to MKU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi and Prof. Peter Wanderi.
Together, the Huawei victory, the Wege Prize recognition and the strategic partnership in China represent a significant milestone for MKU and Kenya’s higher education sector. The achievements demonstrate the country’s growing investment in technology, innovation and global collaboration while positioning Kenya as a leading hub for ICT talent development and digital transformation in Africa.
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