By Eddah Waithaka
The Government of Kenya today officially flagged off the distribution of laptops and interactive smart boards to Junior Secondary Schools nationwide, propelling the Competency-Based Education (CBE) framework into the digital age.
The flag-off ceremony at the Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) brought together leaders from the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, the Ministry of Education, Parliament, the World Bank, and the ICT Authority.
The ICT Authority implements this initiative under the Kenya Digital Economy Acceleration Project (KDEAP) with World Bank support. The phased nationwide rollout delivers 1 teacher laptop and 1 interactive 65-inch smart board to each of 10,382 schools. Today’s launch featured a live demonstration of the smart boards’ capabilities, including a remote class with students from New Mukuru Primary School, who have already used a smart board donated by Huawei.
Government Invests in Human Capital, Not Just Hardware
Speaking during the event, Mr. Stephen Isaboke, EBS, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, emphasized that digital learning prepares Kenya’s future workforce.
“Today, we are not merely flagging off devices; we are investing in human capital, digital skills and the future prosperity of our children,” said Mr. Isaboke. “We want our learners not merely to consume technology, but to create it, innovate through it, and apply it to solving challenges facing their communities and our nation.”
He noted that inclusion remains central to the Government’s digital transformation agenda. Investments in digital infrastructure, connectivity, digital hubs, and skills development ensure that every Kenyan learner has equal opportunities to thrive in the digital age.
ICT Authority Focuses on Classroom Impact
Mr. Jessy Maruti, Chief Executive Officer of the ICT Authority, highlighted the programme’s true measure of success.
“The true value of this programme will not be measured by the number of devices delivered, but by the impact they create in classrooms,” said Mr. Maruti. “We envision teachers delivering more interactive lessons, learners accessing richer educational content, and schools becoming centres of innovation and digital excellence.”
He added that the ICT Authority remains committed to ensuring every device reaches its intended school and delivers meaningful value, while continuing to work with partners to expand reliable internet connectivity, particularly in underserved areas.
World Bank: Digital Literacy Prepares Youth for Tomorrow’s Jobs
Ms. Aneliya Muller, KDEAP Task Leader at the World Bank, underscored the initiative’s transformative potential for learners and teachers alike.
“These devices will make lessons more visual, interactive and engaging, supporting digital literacy from an early stage and helping young Kenyans develop the skills increasingly required in today’s labour market,” said Ms. Muller.
Also Read : https://africawatchnews.co.ke/new-partnership-turns-laikipia-women-beekeepers-into-business-owners/
She noted that secondary schools play a critical role in building digital, problem-solving, and complementary skills for today’s and tomorrow’s jobs. The initiative enriches teaching practices and helps ensure that all learners, regardless of location or background, have a fair opportunity to learn, create, and prepare for the future.
Parliament: A Strategic Investment in the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Hon. John Kiarie, MP for Dagoretti South and Chairperson of the National Assembly Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation, described the initiative as a strategic investment in Kenya’s digital competitiveness.
“Today’s flag-off marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s digital transformation journey as we flag off digital learning devices to thousands of schools across the country,” said Hon. Kiarie. “By integrating technology into our classrooms, we are equipping learners with the skills needed to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and reinforcing Kenya’s position as a leader in ICT and the digital economy.”
He added that digital learning tools transform how education is delivered by expanding access to quality instruction and supporting innovative approaches to addressing educational challenges.
Building a Broader Digital Learning Ecosystem
The Government emphasized that device distribution represents one component of a broader digital learning ecosystem that includes teacher preparedness, digital content, connectivity, technical support, maintenance, and continuous monitoring to ensure sustainable impact.
To date, more than 30,000 kilometres of fibre optic infrastructure has already been deployed nationwide toward the target of 100,000 kilometres, while over 8,000 public institutions now connect to the internet.
The initiative aligns with the Government’s vision of building a digitally connected, knowledge-driven economy, ensuring that no learner is left behind as Kenya advances toward a digitally empowered future where education serves as the foundation for innovation, productivity, and inclusive national development.
