Huawei LEAP Job Fair Unites Partners in Empowering Kenya’s Youth
Huawei LEAP Job Fair Unites Partners in Empowering Kenya’s Youth
Over 60 Chinese and Kenyan enterprises gathered at the University of Nairobi Grounds for the Huawei LEAP Job Fair, held under the theme “Unlocking Potential, Building Connections.”
The event brought together government officials, business leaders, and educators in a shared mission to support youth employment and digital innovation.
More Than 1,700 Job Opportunities Offered
Co-hosted by the Kenya-China Economic and Trade Association (KCETA) and the University of Nairobi, the fair offered over 1,700 job opportunities to Kenyan youth. It showcased how strong partnerships between Kenya and China are helping to drive industrial growth and inclusive development.
Mr. Yu Xiaodong, President of KCETA and GM of China Road and Bridge Corporation (Kenya), emphasized the depth of the collaboration:
“This fair is a strong symbol of the growing, results-driven partnership between China and Kenya. Over 60 enterprises are offering more than 1,700 job opportunities today.”
He noted that beyond infrastructure projects like the Standard Gauge Railway and Nairobi Expressway, Chinese companies are heavily investing in people.
“Huawei alone trains around 6,000 students annually. KEDA Ceramics has created over 50,000 direct and indirect jobs,” he said.
Chinese Firms Supporting Vision 2030
With 104 member companies, KCETA pledged continued support for Kenya’s Vision 2030. It plans to strengthen ties with training institutions, expand upskilling programs, and promote merit-based hiring.
Huawei LEAP Job Fair Unites Partners in Empowering Kenya’s Youth
Nation Media Group: Media Meets Action
Geoffrey Odundo, Group CEO of Nation Media Group, highlighted the company’s role in youth empowerment through partnerships:
“At Nation Media Group, we believe in the power of information to transform lives. By co-hosting the LEAP Job Fair, we’re not just offering visibility we’re extending opportunity.”
He called the event a reflection of the media group’s commitment to youth, digital transformation, and Kenya’s economic future.
Government Backs Digital Youth Agenda
Deputy President Hon. Professor Kithure Kindiki delivered the keynote speech, spotlighting youth and tech as the cornerstones of future growth.
“Our government is committed to supporting enterprises and prioritizing Kenyan talent. We envision Kenya as Africa’s preferred talent hub.”
He applauded private sector efforts that align with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and national development goals.
Huawei: From Building Networks to Empowering People
Mr. Gavin Gao, CEO of Huawei Technologies Kenya, reaffirmed the company’s long-standing investment in Kenya’s youth.
“This year’s theme resonates with our mission. We don’t just build networks—we empower people.”
Through its LEAP program (Learn, Engage, Accelerate, Progress), Huawei aims to train over 100,000 Kenyan youth in cloud computing, cybersecurity, networking, and AI by 2026.
Gao also introduced the Huawei Management Trainee Program (HMTP), which has trained over 200 graduates. Of these, 133 are now full-time Huawei employees.
“LEAP is more than a program it’s a movement for a digitally skilled generation.”
Huawei also partners with over 50 universities and TVET institutions through ICT Academies and supports Kenya’s Digital Superhighway initiative.
A People-Centered Partnership
H.E. Ms. Guo Haiyan, Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, celebrated the six-decade China-Kenya relationship, emphasizing its focus on people.
“Chinese companies are not only building roads and networks they’re also building careers and skills for Kenyan youth.”
She noted that Chinese firms have created over 60,000 jobs in Kenya and continue to support local education, health, and environmental efforts.
“Today’s job fair is a clear sign of our joint investment in both industry and human potential. I hope every job seeker finds their path and contributes to Kenya’s progress.”
Kilimall, Huawei LEAP Forward Together to Empower Digital Youth
