Kenya is exploring a potential partnership with Chinese technology giant Huawei to train civil servants in key digital skills, as the country accelerates efforts to digitise public services and modernise its administration.
The Kenya School of Government (KSG), a state institution tasked with building leadership and professional capacity across the public sector, said it is in discussions with Huawei’s local subsidiary on a framework for cooperation to support national digital transformation goals.
According to KSG, the talks include a possible memorandum of understanding that would focus on capacity building in areas such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity, alongside broader knowledge transfer for senior government officials.
“Our objective is to build a public service that is not only digitally literate, but also capable of effectively applying cloud, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity tools to improve service delivery, strengthen institutional performance and protect citizens’ data,” said Nura Mohamed, Director General of KSG, in comments reported by local technology media.
The initiative aligns with Kenya’s ambitious Digital Master Plan 2022–2032, which places information and communication technologies at the centre of the country’s socio-economic development strategy. Under the plan, the government aims to digitise all public services and roll out 1,450 community digital centres across the country, particularly in underserved areas.
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Kenya has emerged as one of Africa’s leading digital economies, driven by widespread mobile connectivity, a strong fintech ecosystem and growing investment in e-government services. However, officials acknowledge that the success of digital reforms depends not only on infrastructure, but also on the skills and readiness of public servants tasked with implementing them.
The proposed collaboration with Huawei reflects this focus on human capital. KSG said discussions centred on how emerging technologies could be leveraged to strengthen leadership development, boost institutional efficiency and foster innovation within public administration.
Huawei has expanded its footprint across Africa in recent years, supplying telecommunications infrastructure and digital solutions to governments and private companies. The company has also invested in training programmes and digital skills initiatives in several African countries, often in partnership with public institutions.
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The talks in Kenya come amid global debate over the role of Chinese technology firms in public-sector digital systems, particularly in sensitive areas such as data protection and cybersecurity. Kenyan authorities have not disclosed details of the proposed cooperation or timelines for a possible agreement.
International organisations have consistently highlighted the importance of digital skills in public administration. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) said in a 2024 report that investment in civil-service capabilities has become essential as governments increasingly rely on digital tools to deliver services.
“Achieving digital government, where technology is applied to the design of processes, policies and services that meet users’ needs, requires the adoption of new ways of working and new skills within public administrations,” the OECD said. It added that governments must promote the skills, attitudes and knowledge that allow civil servants to operate effectively in a digital environment.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has also stressed that while civil servants do not need to become technical experts, they must understand emerging technology trends and their broader societal implications.
According to UNESCO, digital planning and design, data use and governance, and digital management and execution are among the core competencies public officials need to support digital transformation and good governance.
Kenya’s push to strengthen digital skills within the public service reflects wider trends across Africa, where governments are seeking to use technology to improve efficiency, transparency and citizen access to services. From online business registration to digital identity systems, many countries are racing to modernise bureaucracies that have long been criticised for inefficiency.
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For Kenya, officials say the challenge is to ensure that digital transformation delivers tangible benefits for citizens, while safeguarding data and building trust in public institutions. As discussions with Huawei continue, the focus remains on equipping civil servants with the skills needed to navigate an increasingly digital state.
