Distribution of Digital Learning Devices to 10,000 Schools Begins
The government has commenced the nationwide distribution of digital learning devices to more than 10,000 Junior Secondary Schools in a major push to strengthen digital education and support the implementation of the Competency-Based Education (CBE) framework.
The rollout, officially flagged off at the Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) in Nairobi, will see 10,382 schools receive teacher laptops and interactive 65-inch smart boards under a phased programme being implemented by the ICT Authority.
The initiative is being undertaken through the Kenya Digital Economy Acceleration Project (KDEAP), with support from the World Bank, and is expected to enhance access to digital resources, improve classroom instruction and equip learners with skills needed for the digital economy.
Speaking during the launch, Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Stephen Isaboke said the programme represents a strategic investment in Kenya’s future workforce and digital transformation agenda.
“Today, we are not merely distributing devices; we are investing in human capital, digital skills and the future prosperity of our children. We want learners to move beyond consuming technology and become innovators capable of solving challenges facing their communities and the nation,” said Isaboke.
He noted that the government remains committed to ensuring all learners have equal opportunities in the digital age through continued investments in connectivity, digital infrastructure, innovation hubs and skills development programmes.
The launch featured a demonstration of the smart boards and a live digital lesson linking participants to students at New Mukuru Primary School, which has been using a similar device donated by Huawei.
ICT Authority Chief Executive Officer Jessy Maruti said the success of the programme would be measured by its impact on teaching and learning outcomes rather than the number of devices delivered.
“We expect teachers to offer more interactive lessons, learners to access richer educational content and schools to emerge as centres of innovation and digital excellence,” said Maruti.
World Bank KDEAP Task Leader Aneliya Muller said the devices would make learning more engaging while helping students develop digital and problem-solving skills increasingly required in today’s labour market.
Dagoretti South MP and Chairperson of the National Assembly Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation John Kiarie described the initiative as a key milestone in Kenya’s digital transformation journey.
The government said the devices form part of a broader digital learning ecosystem that includes teacher preparedness, digital content, connectivity, reliable power supply, technical support and maintenance. More than 30,000 kilometres of fibre optic infrastructure have already been deployed nationwide, while over 8,000 public institutions have been connected to the internet as part of efforts to build a digitally empowered and knowledge-driven economy.
