Nairobi: A prestigious opportunity awaits three students from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) as they prepare to represent Kenya at the Global Huawei Information Communication and Technology Competition.
According to Kenya News Agency, the international contest, featuring the world's top technology talents, will be held in Shenzhen, China, from May 18 to 25. In the competition, Rukia Mwari Mohammed will focus on the Network Track, Ephraim Shikanga on the Computing Track, and Banzy Nyaga on the Cloud Track.
Third-year Computer Science student Ephraim Shikanga sees his participation as a major leap forward in his tech journey. He credits the intensive training with Huawei experts and the experience of tackling practical Information and Technology problems for his enhanced skills in programming, database systems, and processor architectures.
On his part, fourth-year Telecommunication and Information Engineering student, Rukia Mwari Mohamed's path to the global stage began in 2023 with a discouraging learning experience when she failed to advance to the regional finals of the competition. However, her initial failure spurred a year of dedicated upskilling, focusing on practical labs and enhancing her technical skills.
Banzy Nyaga, a third-year Computer Science student, highlighted the valuable hands-on experience and industry certifications she gained in Cloud, AI, and Big Data through the competition, with her dedication paying off when she secured the top position in Kenya, specifically in the Cloud Track. 'The competition has been a significant stepping stone, providing invaluable exposure and recognition that has accelerated my growth. Representing Kenya on the global stage is an immense honor, and I'm eager to face the challenges ahead,' she said.
The competitors' journey has been significantly shaped by the guidance of dedicated mentors who have provided crucial training and mentorship to the three students. Phillip Oyier, one of their mentors, believes that the journey to excellence starts with classroom interactions, crediting platforms like the JKUAT Huawei ICT Academy for providing the necessary environment required for the students to develop to their full potential. 'Since January, the students have demonstrated unwavering dedication and rigorous preparation for this competition. I am confident they will perform exceptionally well in Shenzhen,' he said.
Moreover, he recognized the institution's sustained success in the Huawei ICT Academy global competitions, emphasizing that the achievements underscored the university's commitment to excellence, adding that the competition provided invaluable practical experience and global recognition for the University, the students, and Kenya as a whole.