Kajiado:Education stakeholders in Kajiado County have urged the government to enhance electricity and internet connectivity to support the second phase of the Kenya Digital Economy Acceleration Project (KDEAP). Reliable power and internet are seen as crucial for the success of this digital learning initiative, led by the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy in collaboration with the World Bank.
According to Kenya News Agency, this appeal was made during the launch of the National Classroom Experience under the Digital Literacy Programme Phase II at Kajiado Township Junior School. The event, organized by the Information and Communication Technology Authority (ICTA), gathered education officials, teachers, and union representatives to discuss integrating digital technology into junior school education.
Naomi Wangui, the ICT Officer for Kajiado County, commended the government’s investment in digital infrastructure and encouraged students to embrace technology to enhance their skills. Wangui highlighted that the project aims to improve digital infrastructure, access to government services, and digital skills development, thereby expanding opportunities for learners and the public. The initiative seeks to transform teaching and learning through technology and facilitate innovative interactions beyond local school environments.
Interactive Smart Boards and internet connectivity are being employed to enable Grade Seven and Eight teachers to engage in remote learning, especially where specialized teachers are unavailable. Wangui urged students to utilize digital resources and encouraged parental support for sustained technology use.
Rosemary Lentoijoni, the Teachers Service Commission Sub-County Director, praised Kajiado teachers for integrating technology into classroom teaching. She acknowledged the training of six junior school teachers from Kajiado Township Junior School to demonstrate ICT integration.
However, Elly Korinko, Executive Secretary of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Kajiado Branch, pointed out the need to address persistent network connectivity issues. He stressed that inadequate internet and electricity could hamper the project’s effectiveness, calling for expanded coverage, especially in remote areas, to ensure inclusive digital learning.
Korinko also praised the government’s digital literacy efforts, citing that 10,000 teachers have already been trained in information technology, with plans for more training in the future. He noted that nearly half of junior schools now have access to learning devices and expressed hope for broader provision across all schools. Emphasizing the union’s support, Korinko underscored the need for a conducive working environment for teachers to boost their performance and improve learner outcomes.
The classroom experience initiative was demonstrated in seven junior schools, and Kajiado Township Junior School received a laptop and an Interactive Smart Board to support digital instruction and showcase technology’s role in education.
