By Dr. Shem Mbandu and Meshack Ngangi
In a dynamic and inspirational event on September 21, 2023, The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) welcomed special guests Michael Kamau and Lydia Lanoi from Huawei Kenya. Their mission for the visit revolved around igniting the passion for technology and innovation among CUK students and setting the stage for the Huawei ICT Competition 2023.
This event was remarkable, with an impressive turnout of over 250 Students from the esteemed School of Computing and Mathematics. The distinguished faculty members from the School graced the occasion, showing their unwavering support for the students’ tech journey.
The atmosphere was electric, a perfect blend of liveliness and vibrancy. Students hung onto every word as they listened to the awe-inspiring success stories of those who had walked this path before them. Riwell, a former CUK student, stood as a shining example. He participated and emerged as the undisputed national, regional, and global champion in the 2022 edition of the Huawei ICT Competition. His journey from CUK to global recognition was a beacon of hope and possibility.
As the students listened intently, they couldn’t help but feel inspired to follow in the footsteps of Riwell, the reigning champion in the Network Track of the competition. Dr. Katila, Riwell’s mentor, took the opportunity to make a promise. He pledged to mentor an even larger pool of attendees this time around, ensuring that the CUK team for the 2023 competition would be well-prepared and poised for success.
The Huawei ICT Competition 2023 is now officially open for registration as of September 2023, and the first round of the competition is set to kick off. The School of Computing and Mathematics at CUK has a reputation as the hotbed for nurturing the next generation of tech innovators in the region. With a diverse range of undergraduate programs, including Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Data Science, Actuarial Science, Applied Statistics and Data Science, Statistics and Information Technology, Business Information Technology, Applied Statistics and Economics, Cyber Security Engineering, and Digital Forensics and Network Engineering and Cyber Security, the School is well-equipped to assemble entrants across all four tracks of the Huawei ICT Competition.
The future holds the promise of greatness for these enthusiastic students. As they embark on their journey towards the Huawei ICT Competition 2023 – 2024, which will culminate in global finals in February 2024, one thing is clear: time will be the ultimate judge of the impact they will make. The dedication of students, the support of mentors, and the passion for technology will undoubtedly fuel CUK’s aspirations to shine brightly in technology and innovation.