Tharaka University (TUN) is celebrating a proud national and institutional milestone following the recognition of Mr. Kevin Tuei, Director of Open, Distance and e-Learning (ODeL), during a State House ceremony honoring Kenya’s winners of the Huawei ICT Competition Global Finals.
Mr. Tuei, accompanied by Tharaka University Vice-Chancellor and CEO, Prof. Peter K. Muriungi, PhD, joined Team Kenya at State House, Nairobi, where H.E. President Dr. William Samoei Ruto hosted and awarded the country’s top performers in the prestigious global competition held in Shenzhen, China.
Kenya made history by winning the Overall Grand Prize, the highest honor in the Huawei ICT Competition, for the first time since joining the global contest in 2019, affirming the country’s growing capacity in digital skills, innovation, and ICT talent development.
Notably, Mr. Tuei was among the lecturers and mentors who guided the Grand Prize-winning Cloud Track Team throughout the competition. His mentorship was pivotal in preparing the students who represented Kenya at the global finals in Shenzhen, China. The winning team comprised Catherine Atieno of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Brian Ngugi Kamau of Mount Kenya University, and Salem Kim of Machakos University. Their outstanding technical expertise, innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving skills earned Kenya the historic victory.
Speaking during the State House event, President Ruto congratulated Team Kenya for demonstrating that Kenyan talent can compete and excel on the global stage. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to investing in ICT, digital skills, and innovation to position Kenya as a leading technology and digital economy hub.
The President also launched the 11th Edition of the Huawei ICT Competition, making Kenya the first country globally to open registration for the new edition. Students from universities, colleges, and TVET institutions have been encouraged to participate and showcase their talents in the international competition.
Prof. Muriungi, whose presence was recognized by President Ruto, congratulated Mr. Tuei and Team Kenya for flying the Kenyan flag high and bringing honor to the nation. He noted that Mr. Tuei’s recognition at State House reflects Tharaka University’s commitment to nurturing innovation, strengthening digital competencies, and contributing to the development of globally competitive ICT talent.
The State House recognition adds to Mr. Tuei’s remarkable contribution to Kenya’s digital talent ecosystem and highlights Tharaka University’s growing impact in ICT education and innovation. His role in mentoring the Grand Prize-winning team serves as an inspiration to the University community. It reinforces TUN’s reputation as a center of excellence in digital transformation and industry-driven learning.
Tharaka University congratulates Mr. Kevin Tuei and Team Kenya on their outstanding achievement and will continue to support initiatives that empower young innovators to thrive in the global digital economy.
