PS Isaboke lauds digital literacy programme in Kisii as 332 schools benefit

By **Elizabeth Angira **

A total of 332 public junior schools in Kisii County will receive interactive smart boards and laptops under the National Classroom Experience component of the Digital Literacy Programme (DLP) Phase II.

The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the World Bank through the Kenya Digital Economy Acceleration Project (KDEAP), and with the Ministries of Education and of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy.

Speaking during the handover ceremony at Kisii Comprehensive School in Kisii town, Broadcasting and Telecommunications Principal Secretary Stephen Isaboke said the programme is part of the government’s broader commitment to digitising education and equipping learners with the digital skills needed to compete in the global economy.

“Technology is changing rapidly. Services have been digitised to foster efficiency, save time and hasten development. This programme is part of the government’s commitment to ensuring our learners are computer literate as they exploit their potential,” said Isaboke.

He noted that introducing digital devices early would help learners develop computer skills, access educational resources and become familiar with emerging technologies.

The PS said the government supplied 10,382 devices, including smart boards, laptops and digital pens, to some schools in Phase I to enhance e-learning. A further 10,382 devices will be supplied in Phase II to cover all schools nationwide by March next year.

“These devices will promote interactive learning. A teacher can be linked to various schools and share knowledge. It is the trend in developed countries,” he said.

Isaboke emphasised that reliable internet connectivity is essential if schools are to benefit fully from digital learning. He said the government is implementing the Digital Superhighway programme, which targets the installation of 100,000 kilometres of fibre-optic cable and the establishment of 25,000 public Wi-Fi hotspots.

“Nearly 50,000 kilometres of fibre-optic infrastructure has been installed through partnerships with private telecommunications operators and other agencies. In Kisii County, 250 kilometres of fibre optic has been installed, and free Wi-Fi hotspots have been connected to markets and hospitals to enhance digital and government services,” Isaboke said.

He added that 64,000 teachers have been trained in digital literacy nationally to make the programme effective.

Nyanza Region ICT Communications Coordinator David Wasonga said Communications Authority of Kenya officers in the counties will maintain the devices. He noted that this is the first time learners are embracing digital interactive learning.

“Learners are taught how to use smart boards, digital pens and laptops, and it makes them technologically savvy. It is also necessary for video conferencing,” Wasonga said.

Kisii County Director of Education Philip Chirchir urged principals to store the devices safely, warning that the gadgets are expensive.

“The gadgets will improve learning outcomes. I appeal to school heads to ensure they are maintained and used to promote e-learning. Ensure they are not vandalised, as it will disrupt learning,” Chirchir said.

Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) Kisii chairman and Kisii School Chief Principal Fred Mogaka appealed to the government to extend the programme to senior schools.

Kisii Comprehensive School Principal James Mitunda, who hosted the event, said the devices will improve learners’ understanding and retention by letting them interact with content and apply concepts practically. The school has 847 junior secondary learners in 12 streams and received 32 devices.

“The devices will improve understanding. We have 847 learners with 12 streams and we need more devices. We have power but require a generator to run the gadgets when there is a blackout,” Mitunda said.

The government has so far equipped 10,382 schools with digital devices, nearly 50 per cent of all public junior schools.

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