Olkalou:Nyandarua Twenty public junior secondary schools in Nyandarua County have been equipped with interactive smartboards and teacher laptops as part of the government’s digital learning initiative. This effort aims to promote equal access to quality education through technology.
According to Kenya News Agency, the initiative was launched at Olkalou Comprehensive School in Olkalou town. Alex Njihia, Director of ICT Infrastructure at the Information and Communication Technology Authority (ICTA), emphasized the importance of equipping learners with essential digital skills from an early age. He stated that integrating emerging technologies into education is crucial for preparing students for a rapidly changing world and ensuring equal educational opportunities.
Njihia highlighted that over 10,000 schools nationwide have been connected with digital learning technology and internet access in the first phase of the programme by the Ministry of Information and Digital Economy through ICTA. In Nyandarua, efforts are underway to distribute smartboards and laptops to the remaining 153 public junior secondary schools, with installations expected to be completed by mid-next year.
He encouraged students to embrace technology and remain committed to their studies, noting that digital learning could enhance academic performance. Njihia also urged schools to share resources to maximize their use and assured administrators that internet connectivity issues would be resolved within two weeks.
Nyandarua Central Subcounty Director of Education Mercy Kibera urged teachers and administrators to maintain the new equipment for long-term use. She encouraged students to use the technology responsibly and participate actively in digital lessons to enhance their learning. Kibera also suggested that neighboring schools share equipment until all schools are fully equipped.
The launch event included public junior secondary school heads, ICT teachers, and Grade Eight learners from Olkalou Comprehensive School.
