By Ongondi Nyakundi
Over 1500 schools have been earmarked under phase one of the school internet connectivity project being implemented by the Ministry of Education, Ministry of ICT, the ICT Authority, UNESCO and Huawei.
This was revealed by CAS for ICT Ministry Mrs. Mauline Mbaka who said that the government was working hard to ensure the digital divide in the country is narrowed by ensuring that learners in various education institutions get the knowledge they deserve in the current digital world.
“We have developed several frameworks to drive this development such as the blueprint economic drive, the ICT master plan and the national ICT policy, through rolling out of infrastructure in the country to speed up the process of technological development,” Mbaka added.
The CAS was speaking yesterday at Sironga Girls Secondary School in Nyamira County when she launched the internet connectivity programme at the institution, and also supervised the learning programmes using the tablets procured by the government at Sironga Primary school.
She insisted the need for enhanced uptake of technology since the world is headed in the direction as far as employment is of concern.
“Many jobs in the future will be anchored in digitization and the future is here with us. The government will continue to use digitization to improve the lives of its citizens and the society,” she said.
She noted the presence of broadband infrastructure presence in all the 47 County Headquarters in addition to the digital learning devices in all the public primary schools through the Digital Learning Programme (DLP)
“The Ministry of Information, Communication and ICT is determined in ensuring that all government institutions in the country were embracing new ICT technology,” said the CAS.
Mbaka said this is the era whereby technology must be embraced in all the aspects of life hence called for cooperation from stakeholders in ensuring the dream comes true.
“There is need for investment in the ICT sector to keep a constant pace in developing the digital space and this has been good with Kenya’s internet penetration being among the highest in Africa at about 85 percent. This means internet is taking over every aspect of life,” she said.
On his part, West Mugirango MP Vincent Kemosi applauded the government’s efforts in ensuring digital learning in schools and pledged support for the programme.
“This is a good move and all we need to do as leaders is to support our government in ensuring the programme is a success. All that the government doing is for the better of our children and the only thing we can do as leaders is to back our government,” Kemosi said.
CAS Mbaka was accompanied by County Commissioner Michael Lesmam, Deputy County Commissioner Julius Otieno, West Mugirango MP Vincent Kemosi, County Secretary James Ntabo, Sironga Girls Principal Ever Odhiambo, among other leaders.
