Kericho:The government is extending digital learning access across public junior schools in Kenya, with 10,382 schools already outfitted with interactive smart boards and teacher laptops. This initiative aims to modernize classroom instruction and prepare students for a technology-driven economy.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Information Communication Technology Authority (ICTA) Board Chairperson Lily Ngok launched the digital learning equipment at Kericho Township Primary and Junior School. She encouraged teachers to utilize these devices to enhance instruction and provide students with more educational resources.
The rollout, part of the Kenya Digital Economy Acceleration Project (KDEAP), is supported by the World Bank and involves the ICT Authority, Ministry of Education, and other government agencies. The first phase has reached nearly half of the country’s public junior schools, with plans to target approximately 21,000 schools by April 2027.
In Kericho County, 239 public junior schools are set to receive the equipment, with distribution covering all six sub-counties. The supplier has allocated four trucks to ensure timely delivery to all schools.
The initiative is part of a US$390 million project running from 2023 to 2028, focusing on broadband expansion, government service digitization, and digital skills development. Digital content for Grades 7 and 8 has been developed, with work on Grade 9 materials ongoing.
Ngok emphasized the importance of integrating the devices into everyday teaching, warning against storing them without use. Each device is asset-tagged for tracking, and schools are to maintain asset registers and report monthly on device usage. The ICT Authority will offer technical support and consider power-backup solutions.
Parents, school boards, communities, and private-sector players are urged to support schools in addressing connectivity and maintenance issues. This initiative follows a live classroom demonstration led by President William Ruto, showcasing the potential for real-time interaction among learners in different counties.
The success of this program relies on consistent use and maintenance of the equipment, particularly in remote areas. Ngok reiterated the ICT Authority’s commitment to supporting schools, urging stakeholders to embrace digital learning for a brighter future.
