Li Xuhang (2nd L), Charge d'Affaires at the Chinese Embassy in Kenya and Jerome Ochieng (2nd R), Principal Secretary for information, communication and technology (ICT) unveil a plague during Huawei's "Seed for the Future" initiative, in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, Sept. 27, 2018. (Xinhua/Charles Onyango)

NAIROBI, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- Nine Kenyan students on Thursday were flagged off for a two-week training program in advanced information, communication and technology (ICT) systems at Huawei headquarters in Shenzhen under the company's "Seed for the Future" initiative.

Li Xuhang, Charge d'Affaires at the Chinese Embassy in Kenya, said during the occasion that the program offers first hand learning opportunities where participants gain hands-on practice and witness live demonstrations of the latest ICT skills.

"I firmly believe that the participants here today will bring the technology and experience back and serve the country's ICT industry. Apart from technology transfer and capacity building, we also encourage Chinese companies in Kenya to fulfill social responsibility," Li said.

Jerome Ochieng', Principal Secretary for ICT, said that in order to realize Kenya's digital transformation, it is vital for the government to partner with ICT players in the private sector such as Huawei to find the best solutions and implement them.

"Apart from the 'Seeds for the Future Program', my ministry also works closely with Huawei on critical infrastructure projects such as national optic fiber backbone, the Safe City project, Smart Transport solutions," the PS remarked.

"It is important to note that all students here have been attached to Huawei Kenya, some of whom have actually obtained permanent jobs. These experiences have made a big difference by empowering the youth with ICT skills and further expose them to the job market," Ochieng' said.

Chief Executive Officer of Huawei Technology Kenya addresses participants during the launch of Huawei-Redington partnership framework in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, Sept. 19, 2018. (Xinhua/Charles Onyango)

During the occasion, the Chinese ICT solutions provider launched the 'Huawei Kenya Sustainability Report 2018' which highlights the company's relationship with the public.

Stone He, Huawei Kenya CEO, said the firm has integrated sustainability into business operations and strategy by creating a solid foundation that ensures employees can fulfill their personal ambitions in a work environment that is safe, equal and inclusive.