By: Kanto Kai Okanta
A major milestone in Kenya’s
education sector has been achieved following the official flag-off of a
nationwide rollout of laptops and interactive smart boards to Junior Schools
across the country, aimed at strengthening digital learning and supporting the
Competency-Based Education framework.
The initiative is being
implemented by the ICT Authority under the Kenya Digital Economy Acceleration
Project (KDEAP), in collaboration with the Ministry of Information,
Communications and the Digital Economy and the Ministry of Education, with
support from the World Bank.
Under the programme, 10,382
public Junior Schools are set to receive 10,382 laptops and 10,382 interactive
smart boards to enhance classroom learning and improve access to digital
education tools.
Principal Secretary for
Broadcasting and Telecommunications Stephen Isaboke described the rollout as a
key milestone in Kenya’s digital transformation agenda, emphasizing the
importance of ensuring that all learners have access to the tools required to succeed
in a technology-driven era.
Principal Secretary for
Basic Education Prof. Julius Bitok highlighted the initiative as an example of
effective inter-ministerial coordination under the One Government Approach,
commending the collaboration between government institutions and development
partners in advancing education reform.
ICT Authority Chief
Executive Officer Jessy Maruti stated that the programme extends beyond the
distribution of devices and focuses on transforming learning through
connectivity, digital content, teacher capacity building, and technical
support. He noted that the ultimate success of the initiative will be measured
by its impact in classrooms and the opportunities created for learners.
ICT Authority Board
Chairperson Hon. Lily Ng’ok described the rollout as a significant step toward
advancing digital inclusion and modernizing education delivery across the
country.
The Chairperson of the
National Assembly Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation, Hon.
John Kiarie, also commended the initiative, calling it a transformative
investment in Kenya’s future human capital development.
A live demonstration during
the event, led by ICT Authority Director for Standards and Programmes and KDEAP
Project Lead Thomas Bwaley, connected CEMASTEA and Mukuru Junior School,
showcasing interactive learning through connected digital classrooms.
World Bank representative
Anneliya Muller praised the progress of the programme under KDEAP, noting that
it reflects strong collaboration between the Government of Kenya and the World
Bank in promoting digital inclusion and improving learning outcomes.
The rollout marks one of the
largest coordinated digital education deployments in Kenya’s history,
reinforcing ongoing efforts to integrate technology into the national education
system.
