Jacob Kaimenyi reassures pupils on laptops project

The Jubilee government is committed to delivering its election pledge of laptops to pupils joining public primary schools, Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi has reassured.

He blamed the delay in delivering laptops to a pending court case.

Speaking at Nanyuki Methodist Complex during the Laikipia County Education Day, Kaimenyi noted that his ministry decided to respect the law by allowing the court process to be completed before rolling out the project.

"If someone goes to court accusing any government department of wrongdoing, we always respect the law by honouring the court orders. If we fail to do so, we will be courting anarchy, disaster and impunity," he said.

He continued: "We expected a ruling to be delivered on June 30, but the court adjourned to September 14. We have to wait until the matter is determined. We are urging Kenyans not to be sceptical," said the Cabinet Secretary.

Kaimenyi was accompanied by Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu, former National Assembly Speaker Francis ole Kaparo and Laikipia County Education and ICT Secretary John Bosco Akaale.

Kaimenyi's comment came after Laikipia East MP Anthony Mutahi called on the Government to tell Kenyan pupils what was causing the delay, almost two years after the Jubilee alliance assumed power.

Mr Mutahi noted that children in primary schools were getting impatient.

Mutahi, who is also a member of the parliamentary committee on Education, said Sh18 billion was set aside for the laptop project in the last financial year, while Sh17 billion has been set aside this year for the same.

"We want children to be aware of what is happening, since they could be blaming the Government while it is a few people who moved to court, hence causing the delay," said Mutahi.

In a separate interview with journalists, Kaimenyi said the set up, including the procurement process, was complete.

"We are ready. These gadgets will be delivered immediately after the matter is over and in our favour," he said.

He further warned parents and guardians who fail to take children to school of legal action, saying the law prescribes a fine of Sh100,000 for anybody holding children of school going age at home.