Saku:Marsabit Marsabit County Commissioner Stanley Kamande has praised the implementation of Phase Two of the Digital Literacy Programme, highlighting its potential to address teacher shortages, enhance access to specialized instruction, and improve the quality of education in remote areas.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kamande made these remarks during the launch of the National Digital Class Experience Literacy Programme Phase Two at Marsabit Junior School in Saku Town, part of the Kenya Digital Economy Acceleration Project (KDEAP). This event connected learners from Marsabit with those at Kiminini Junior School in Trans-Nzoia County, where President Dr. William Ruto participated in a similar session.
The KDEAP initiative, supported by the World Bank, is carried out by the Kenyan government through the Ministry of Information and Digital Economy, the Ministry of Education, and the ICT Authority. Under the program, each public school is equipped with an interactive smart board and teachers’ laptops to support competency-based education. Kamande emphasized the shift from traditional teaching methods to digital learning, enabling students in remote areas to access educational resources and teachers beyond their local schools.
Steve Ochieng, Director of ICT at the State Department for Petroleum, noted that Phase One of the program had reached about 10,382 public junior schools with interactive boards and laptops. Phase Two aims to cover the remaining schools. He mentioned that digital content for Grades Seven and Eight is ready, while content for Grade Nine is in development. Ochieng highlighted the adaptation of resources for students with visual and hearing impairments and the training of over 64,000 teachers in utilizing digital tools.
Galgallo Fayo, Deputy Director of Corporate Communication at the ICT Authority, pointed out the authority’s role in supporting connectivity, device distribution, and teacher training. Marsabit County Director of Education Williams Kamugunah welcomed the initiative but stressed the importance of safeguarding the equipment from theft and damage. He called for community involvement and stronger security measures to protect the government’s investment.
Marsabit County Director of Teachers Service Commission Alinoor Hassan and Abdikadir Mohamed from the Ministry of ICT echoed the need to protect digital devices. Mohamed also suggested solar power as a solution to electricity challenges in some schools. Fatuma Kato, head teacher at Marsabit Primary and Junior School, expressed gratitude for the equipment, which she said would enhance competency-based education.
Finn Church Aid Kenya official Abel Mutua mentioned the organization’s efforts to implement a last-mile digital connectivity program in 27 schools in Marsabit Central Sub County, along with supporting teacher training and the management of digital resources. Education stakeholders emphasized that the success of the program relies on reliable internet connectivity, trained teachers, sufficient electricity, and proper equipment maintenance. The initiative is expected to boost digital skills, increase student participation, and improve access to quality education in remote communities.
