Multinational ICT company Huawei has opened a new training centre at its head office in Nairobi to provide training on new generation computing, telecommunication and related technologies.

Peter Thuo, Head of Learning Services at Huawei Technologies East Africa, says the centre will facilitate training on new technologies like 4G, IoT, cloud computing and Software Defined Networks (SDN)/Network Functions Virtualisation (NFV).

"It aims to build ICT skills amongst employees and key players in the ICT ecosystem in the region in order to drive the ICT industry and the country's digital transformation, as well as enhance Kenya's leading role in East Africa."

The new training centre includes a video conference room and high-speed broadband connection enabling students to access e-labs.

John Tanui, an Engineer working for the Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA) has lauded the company's contribution to Kenya's ICT infrastructure and skills development.

"Building ICT skills for our youth is very crucial to the success of the country's economic transformation agenda, and it is for this reason that the Kenyan government is establishing an advanced institute for science and technology at Konza Technopolish which will focus in research and postgraduate programs, including ICT. With Huawei's great contribution to Kenya's ICT infrastructure and skills development, they can be assured of our support in this space and we look forward to further collaborations."

Hardware installation training will also be covered.

Robert Mugo, CEO of Kenya's ICT Authority has also commended Huawei for the training centre.

"This is yet another demonstration of Huawei's commitment to building ICT skills in Kenya together with the ICT Authority. We have heard today how the nine students have benefited from their training in Kenya as well as the many other training programs Huawei provides with the ICT Authority. I am excited that this new training centre will be able to expand its training numbers and training topics in order to stand Kenya in good stead to take advantage of the digital transformation. Building advanced ICT skills is a great compliment to the other areas we partner with Huawei on for graduates, undergraduates and also for those who did not attend University."