Education stakeholders in Kajiado County have urged the government to improve electricity supply and internet connectivity to support the successful implementation of the second phase of the Kenya Digital Economy Acceleration Project.
The stakeholders said unreliable internet access and inadequate electricity coverage, particularly in remote areas, could undermine efforts to integrate digital technology into teaching and learning.
They made the call during the launch of the National Classroom Experience under the Digital Literacy Programme Phase II at Kajiado Township Junior School on Thursday.
The event, organised by the Information and Communication Technology Authority (ICTA), brought together education officials, teachers and union representatives to demonstrate how digital technology can improve classroom instruction.
Digital classrooms expected to transform learning
County ICT Officer Naomi Wangui commended the government for investing in digital infrastructure and encouraged learners to embrace technology to improve their skills and creativity.
Speaking on behalf of ICTA, Wangui said the project focuses on digital infrastructure, access to government services and digital skills development to expand opportunities for learners and the wider public.
She noted that the National Classroom Experience initiative seeks to transform teaching and learning by providing learners with opportunities to interact with teachers and students beyond their immediate school environment.
Through Interactive Smart Boards (ISBs) and internet connectivity, Grade Seven and Eight teachers can engage learners in other counties and facilitate remote learning, particularly in schools without specialised teachers for certain subjects.
Wangui urged learners to make use of the available digital resources, remain innovative and seek assistance whenever they encountered difficulties.
She also called on parents to support their children in using the digital learning resources provided through schools, saying sustained use of the technology would enable learners across different grades to benefit.
KNUT warns against poor internet connectivity
However, Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Kajiado Branch Executive Secretary Elly Korinko warned that persistent network challenges could hinder the programme's success.
“Most of our areas in Kajiado, and not only in Kajiado but across the entire country, do not have network connectivity. This programme can only work where there is a network,” he said.
Korinko called for expanded electricity and internet coverage to ensure teachers and learners in underserved areas are not excluded from the digital learning transition.
He commended the government for promoting digital literacy, noting that 10,000 teachers had already received information technology training, with more expected to be trained in the coming year.
Korinko added that nearly half of junior schools had access to learning devices and expressed hope that the government would extend the provision to all schools.
He assured the government of the union's support for the initiative but emphasised the need to provide teachers with a conducive working environment to improve their performance and learner outcomes.
Seven junior schools showcase digital learning
Meanwhile, Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Sub-County Director Rosemary Lentoijoni praised teachers in Kajiado, particularly those at Kajiado Township Junior School, for demonstrating how technology can be integrated into classroom instruction.
Lentoijoni said six teachers from the institution had been selected to showcase the integration of information and communication technology into teaching and learning and had undergone training ahead of the launch.
She thanked the government and the agencies involved in the initiative for collaborating to support digital learning in schools.
The classroom experience was showcased in seven junior schools: Sitotwek, Sikao, Kampi ya Moto, Nanyuki DEB, Wamba, Kajiado Township and Bomet Township.
As part of the initiative, Kajiado Township Junior School received a laptop and an Interactive Smart Board to support classroom instruction and demonstrate the use of digital tools in learning.
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