Jacob Kaimenyi launches ICT curriculum ahead of laptop project roll out

By Rawlings Otieno

Nairobi, Kenya: Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi has expressed the need to have Teachers trained in capacity building in information and technology skills ahead of the roll out laptop program.

He said that having computers in the classroom without trained teachers will not benefit the pupils.

“I want to assure them that technology will not replace teachers, but will add value to their practise. The Ministry is acutely aware that the success of the implementation of ICT integration programme in primary schools will depend mainly on teacher training in ICT integration skills and changing their attitude to accept change,” said Kaimenyi.

Speaking during the official launch of ICT integration harmonised curriculum guide, the Education boss told the teachers to overcome technophobia, embrace change and join those who are digital natives using technology for teaching and learning.

The curriculum is designed for Primary school teachers who will be trained before rolling out the project in January.

Kaimenyi also reiterated that it requires teachers to be oriented with new pedagogical skills and competencies in order to cope with new paradigm shift in teaching and learning brought about by the demands of the new tools.

President Uhuru Kenyatta pledged, while campaigning, that his government would give laptops to 1.2 million children who start school every year as part of a wider plan to make the East African country an Internet hub.

Details of the program, which will cost the government Sh52.2 billion in three years, have not been made public. It is set to start later this year.

Microsoft, through the Partners in Learning Schools program, in last five years had trained 32,600 teachers, whose impact was being felt by more than 1.8 million children.

Kaimenyi said that the introduction of technology to our learners at an early age is envisaged to bridge the digital divide and inculcate 21st century skills so that these children can compete favourably in the global arena.

He challenged the teachers to seize the opportunities afforded by technology to improve their repertoire of skills so as to transform the way education is delivered.

He said that the Ministry is committed to ensuring that there will be continuous capacity building of teachers and educational officers in ICT so that in the next 5 years, all shall have obtained the necessary ICT competencies defined by UNESCO.