By Meshack M. Ngangi, MPRSK, MMCK | 8th December 2025
As part of the ongoing partnership between The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) and Huawei, 45 University students in the School of Computing and Mathematics completed the Huawei Certified ICT Associate (HCIA–Datacom) training programme and received their official Huawei Professional Certificates from Mr. Michael Kamau, the Head of Huawei ICT Academy (Kenya). Throughout the certification programme, Huawei provided the training materials and certification examinations, while the School of Computing and Mathematics, under the leadership of Dr. Shem Mbandu, provided mentorship and training, ensuring that students benefited optimally from both industry-standard content and academic guidance.
During the HCIA Datacom Certification Award Ceremony held on 8th December 2025, Prof. Lucy Kiganane, the Dean of the School of Business and Economics, represented the Vice Chancellor and highlighted that this achievement marked an important milestone for the University and strongly affirmed a two-core aspect of CUK’s academic mission. First, it demonstrated how the students are trained to become industry-ready, equipped with practical and globally recognised competencies that significantly enhance their employability and competitiveness in the ICT sector. Second, it underscored the strength and robustness of CUK’s academic programmes, as evidenced by the high level of student participation and the commendable performance in a rigorous international certification examination.
The successful completion of the HCIA–Datacom programme reflects the value of strategic industry–academia collaboration. Speaking at the Award Ceremony, Rose Nkatha, a Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering student, outlined that through the CUK–Huawei Partnership, students gain access to cutting-edge training aligned with current industry needs, bridging the gap between theory and practice. Rose Nkatha was the top among the 45 students examined for the HCIA Certification, having scored 935 marks. Such collaborations not only enrich the learning experience but also position the University as a hub for producing graduates who meet global professional standards.
This milestone reflects CUK’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, industry relevance, and the empowerment of students through globally competitive skills. The University looks forward to celebrating the success of its students and to deepening its partnership with Huawei in advancing ICT education and professional development.
