At least 375 public junior secondary schools (JSS) in Machakos County received digital learning devices under the second phase of the government’s Digital Learning Programme (DLP), in a nationwide drive to integrate technology into classroom infrastructure.
The programme, implemented by the Government of Kenya with support from the World Bank through the Kenya Digital Economy Acceleration Program (KEDEP), targets 10,382 public junior schools across all 47 counties.
Speaking during the launch at St Mary’s Girls JSS, ICT Authority representative Emmanuel Katana said the rollout underscored the government’s commitment to expanding digital learning nationwide.
Katana said each targeted school would receive an interactive smartphone and a teacher’s laptop, confirming that all 375 schools in Machakos had been equipped.
St Mary’s Girls JSS headteacher Angeline Nzioki said digital literacy was essential in preparing learners for an increasingly technology-driven world.
“In education, digital literacy is no longer an optional skill. It is an essential competence that prepares learners to participate effectively in the modern world,” she said.
The programme combines curriculum-aligned digital resources, internet connectivity and teacher training to promote digital literacy, critical thinking and problem-solving.
Officials said more than 64,000 teachers had undergone training to integrate technology into classroom teaching.
Nzioki said the devices would make lessons more interactive and help learners acquire skills needed in the modern economy.
The launch was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Education, the Teachers Service Commission, the ICT Authority, school boards, parents and community stakeholders, who stressed the importance of responsible technology use and collaboration in sustaining the initiative.
By Mary Mutanu and Iris Sheel
