ICT Authority has signed a three year Memorandum of Understanding with Huawei Technologies to enhance skill development in the ICT sector.
This follows the launch of the Smart Masterplan, in April during the 6th Connected Kenya Summit where the government through the Ministry of ICT promised to drive ICT in all economy sectors through infrastructure development, human capacity and skill development where Public-Private Partnerships are indicated as the key element to delivering the vision that would place Kenya as a top ICT hub.
The MOU will see a total of 100 students taking engineering courses in 4th and 5th year secure internships at Huawei for the next three years commencing July this year. The online criteria will be managed through KENET who is the liaison partner to Universities. The initiative will also see top ten attaches offered a chance to further their skills in China where Huawei houses its headquarters.
The agreement has also incorporated a program under Huawei's CSR initiative, "Telecom Seeds for the future", which focuses on nurturing and empowering students to be technology leaders of tomorrow. The two entities will target academic institutions to transfer knowledge to the students. Huawei is expected to deliver on four main key activities namely; An Engineering students internship programme, a broadband Stakeholders forum to be held in October, Infrastructure development and general ICT awareness and CSR activities.
Speaking during the event, Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Information Communication and Technology, Dr.Fred Matiangi said that, "Research has shown that we have a scarcity of high-end ICT skills with many ICT companies hiring expatriates to bridge the gap. This shows that in addition to strengthening courses at the University level, companies should offer practical on-the-job training which will up-the skills of our graduates. This is quite important now as the government embarks on major ICT infrastructure projects. Local talent, is at the heart of the success of all these project and there is need for our local graduates to handle these projects."
He also added that the Ministry plans to partner with more organisations, following a successful partnership earlier with SAP that saw over 168 students graduate in ICT related coursesthrough "SAP skills for Africa " programme, who are currently doing so well in the job market. Through the partnerships, the government hopes to equip over 1000 students with high end skills in ICT in the next five years.
Also addressing the audience at the event, Huawei CEO Kenya, Dean Yu said that Huawei was honoured to have entered an agreement with ICTA to bring value to Kenya through ICT. "We will work together with ICTA to implement the agreed upon responsibilities which we believe will contribute towards realizing the development and growth of ICT as an industry. We remain committed to offering our expertise and experience in contributing towards the National ICT Masterplan,"
Dean also added that Huawei had partnered with over 60 universities globally in over 20 countries to equip students with skills in ICT since technology and innovation are becominga pillar for development in many countries.
"We are committed to working through various partners in the delivery of our mandate. In the past we have seen success in skills-transfer programs in which we deliver through the private sector. This is the model we will continue to work on," said Victor Kyalo at MOU signing.
The event was also attended by China Ambassador to Kenya, Mr Li Xianfa, Principle Secretary Ministry of ICT, Joseph Tiampati, KENET Executive Director Professor Meoli Kashorda, deans from Schools of ICT in various universities and engineering students and students taking ICT related courses in Universities.
As a global leader in ICT, Huawei Technologies will be part of a team which will assist ICTA to monitor the implementation of the National ICT Masterplan and be an advisory to the Ministry. ICTA has called upon the private sector to work together to successfully implement the Masterplan.
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