Kisii:At least 332 public junior schools in Kisii County are set to receive interactive smart boards and laptops as part of the government’s National Classroom Experience of the Digital Literacy Programme Phase II. This initiative, in partnership with the World Bank, the Kenya Digital Economy Acceleration Project, and the Ministries of Education and Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, aims to enhance digital literacy among learners.
According to Kenya News Agency, Broadcasting and Telecommunications Principal Secretary Stephen Isaboke highlighted the program’s role in digitizing education and equipping learners with essential digital competencies. He emphasized the importance of early exposure to digital devices for developing computer skills and familiarizing students with emerging technologies.
The government is also focused on improving internet connectivity through the Digital Superhighway programme, which aims to install 100,000 kilometres of fibre-optic cable and establish 25,000 public Wi-Fi hotspots across the country. Already, nearly 50,000 kilometres of fibre-optic infrastructure have been rolled out, with 250 kilometres specifically connecting 179 institutions and 32 public Wi-Fi hotspots in Kisii.
Philip Chirchir, the County Director of Education, expressed concern over the theft and vandalism of digital devices during the program’s first phase. He urged school heads to enhance security measures and collaborate with authorities to prevent such incidents. Chirchir also encouraged teachers and students to embrace the new tools for improving educational outcomes.
Kisii Comprehensive School Principal James Mitunda noted that digital devices would enhance understanding and retention among learners by facilitating practical applications of educational content. Despite having electricity and internet connectivity, the school requires a standby generator to ensure uninterrupted digital lessons.
Students at Kisii Comprehensive School have positively received the interactive digital classes, which connect them with schools in other counties. Learner Jacob Desmond shared his experience of improved research capabilities and his aspiration to become a software engineer. Whitney Florence, another student, called for more devices to expand digital learning access.
To date, the government has equipped 10,382 schools with digital devices and trained over 64,000 teachers as part of its broader efforts to integrate technology into education and prepare learners for the digital economy.
