Huawei Kenya and 38 other Chinese firms have teamed to absorb more than 500 young Kenyans in various sectors including ICT, manufacturing, trade and construction.
Addressing President William Ruo when he visited the firm’s Job Fair during the ongoing YouthConnekt Africa Summit 2023 in Nairobi, Gavin Gao CEO of Huawei Kenya explained that the firm is a strong supporter of the government’s digital transformation programs and remains committed to complementing the achievement of its job creation targets.
“We have co-organized the 2023 edition of the annual Job Fair with the Kenya-China Economic and Trade Association (KCETA) to offer young Kenyans more than 500 placement opportunities as part of our program to support talent growth and economic development. I appreciate all KCETA members who are participating in the program including Sunda International and the China Road and Bridge Construction Company,” he added.
Huawei Kenya, he noted, has consistently and intentionally expanded the focus of the business to absorb young Kenyans inside the firm and within its partner ecosystem, including running the ICT talent ecosystem program that upskills youth in digital technology and ICT competence.
In the program, 250 lecturers have been trained in advanced technology and over 10,000 University and college students are trained annually.
Kenyans who have benefited from Huawei programme
Gao introduced some Kenyans who benefitted from the programme, including Michael Kamau, Huawei ICT Academy manager, Eric Ongeri, Operations Channel Manager and Mathew Kiptoo, Hiring Manager.
Huawei also runs a 6-month Graduate management training program to provide youth with training and internships at the company that translates into job placements at the firm or within its partner ecosystem.
The YouthConnekt Africa Summit 2023 was held in Kenya for the first time and themed “Youth innovating a borderless African renaissance”.
It convened over 20,000 young people, government officials, corporate leaders and development champions to spotlight Youth leadership and innovation for Africa’s integration through policy discussions, storytelling and networking, and entrepreneur-focused programmes including marketplace and investor meetings.
Huawei partnered with KCETA (Kenya China Economic and Trade Association) to put together the job fair.
KCETA is a social organization comprised of Chinese businesses in Kenya. The association was founded in 2001 with 51 Chinese-invested businesses in Kenya, and as of December 2023, the association’s membership has grown to 102 members.
The mission of the KCETA is to strengthen the cohesiveness and influence of Chinese business people in Kenya to protect the rights of Chinese businesses better.
Ruto’s job promise
President William Ruto promised to secure jobs for Kenyans to reduce the rising rate of unemployment in the country.
Ruto announced a partnership with Saudi Arabia that will see 2,500 Kenyans get employment in the Gulf state.
Speaking on Friday, Ruto said,
“I am traveling all over to get jobs. Kenyans are known to be hardworking. When I went to West Africa and Djibouti, I found Kenyans in charge as hotel managers because Kenya is known for prowess in hospitality.”
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