The Ministry of Education, in partnership with Finn Church Aid (FCA) and UNICEF, has officially launched the Last Mile Connectivity Project for schools, aimed at enhancing access to inclusive, quality, digital-enabled education for learners in remote areas of West Pokot county.
The initiative targets 73 primary schools across the county including Sub-Counties of North Pokot, West Pokot, Kipkomo, and Pokot Central.
Speaking during the launch, Lilian Masai, the Quality Assurance and Standards Officer at the Ministry of Education in West Pokot County, representing the County Director of Education, described the event as a significant milestone in the county’s ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide and bring the benefits of technology to every learner even in the most remote areas.
“For long, schools in our county have faced challenges such as limited digital infrastructure and inadequate exposure to technology-based learning,” said Masai.
She went on, “This project comes at a critical time when digital skills are no longer optional, but essential for success in the 21st century.”
Masai thanked FCA and UNICEF for their unwavering support, vision, and generosity, highlighting their partnership with national and county governments as a model for sustainable development.
“The project equips teachers with tools to make learning more engaging, interactive, and inclusive,” she added, urging a collective commitment to a quality, inclusive, innovative, and transformative education for all.
Ahmed Shale, education Specialist at Finn Church Aid Kenya Programme, shared details of the Last Mile Connectivity Project, which spans four counties including Marsabit, Tana River, Samburu, and West Pokot.
“We are focusing on three key areas: the right to quality education, the right to livelihood, and the right to peace,” said Shale.
He went on: “This project enhances digital learning by improving infrastructure, connectivity, teacher capacity, and community support.”
Shale said in West Pokot, the initiative will target 73 primary schools,14 in North Pokot,33 in West Pokot,26 in Kipkomo, and 14 in Pokot Central Sub-counties respectively.
He said the project focuses on capacity building for head teachers, ICT teachers/champions, and Boards of Management, promoting blended learning and online safety, using the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) approved materials; and leveraging existing government-issued laptops and infrastructure supplied in 2022-2023.
He disclosed the project also targets youth hubs out of school to expand reach and impact.
Speaking on behalf of the TSC County Director Dr. Esther Musani, Human Resource Officer at the Teacher Service Commission (TSC), Mildred Kogo, emphasized TSC’s commitment to teacher empowerment through digital training.
“This initiative reflects the government’s shared vision of transforming education through technology. We remain committed to continuous professional development and fostering innovative teaching methods that improve outcomes,” she said.
Kogo expressed gratitude to UNICEF, FCA, and all partners, emphasising the importance of unity and purpose in making education in West Pokot inclusive, modern and relevant.
Philip Wapopa, County Director of Children Services, highlighted the project’s role in promoting equity in education. particularly for learners in marginalized and hard-to-reach areas.
“Children in urban areas have long enjoyed the benefits of computer literacy. This project ensures children in rural West Pokot are not left behind,” he stated.
Wapopa said the project will empower schools with Information Technology (IT) capacity and online learning tools and improve student retention and enrolment, particularly in areas challenged by poor terrain, food insecurity, and lack of electricity.
He thanked FCA and UNICEF for their support in advancing digital literacy and access to education.
The Last Mile Connectivity Project represents a joint effort by government agencies, international partners, and local communities to ensure every child in West Pokot County has access to modern, digital education.
By Anthony Melly
