The government has intensified the rollout of digital learning infrastructure in public schools, as part of efforts to prepare learners for the digital economy and improve access to quality education across the country.
Speaking during the commissioning of a smart board at Ol Kalou Comprehensive School, Principal Secretary for ICT and Digital Economy Eng. John Tanui said the government has added nearly 40,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable towards its target of 100,000 kilometers, boosting internet connectivity to schools and other public institutions nationwide.
Tanui said the State Department for ICT and Digital Economy is working closely with the State Department for Basic Education to equip schools with smart boards and reliable internet connectivity.
He noted that 10,000 schools are being covered in the first phase of the programme, with another 10,000 schools set to benefit in the second phase.
The PS said the smart boards are complete digital teaching platforms that function as computers, enabling teachers to conduct interactive lessons, connect multiple schools for virtual learning and access digital teaching resources.
The technology, he added, will help bridge teacher shortages by allowing one teacher to teach learners in different schools simultaneously.
Tanui further revealed that the government has digitized more than 24,000 government services, underscoring the need to equip learners with digital skills required for future jobs, many of which will be technology-driven.
In Nyandarua County alone, he said more than 250 smart boards are being deployed during the first phase of the programme.
Basic Education Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa said the visit to Ol Kalou Comprehensive School was meant to assess the implementation of the digital learning programme, including internet connectivity, deployment of digital devices and integration of technology into classroom teaching.
Ololtuaa said reports received from education officials indicate that teaching and learning are progressing well across schools, with both academic and co-curricular activities continuing without disruption.
He commended teachers, parents, school management committees, county administrators and the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) for supporting the education sector through improved infrastructure and collaboration.
The PS emphasized that digital learning does not require expensive or complicated infrastructure, noting that any ordinary classroom equipped with a smart board and internet connectivity can effectively support technology-enabled teaching.
By Antony Mwangi
