JSS schools receive 10,382 digital learning devices in nationwide rollout

Former basic education ps Julius Bitok flagging off first consignment of smart learning devices to primary schools.[Juliet Omelo]

The government has flagged off the distribution of 10,382 smart interactive devices and laptops to junior schools across the country in a major step towards digitising learning under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

Speaking during the launch of the first consignment, Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok said the initiative is part of a broader plan to establish smart classrooms in all junior schools and enhance the quality of teaching through technology.

"Today's a very special day for our education system because we are here to flag off the first consignment of 10,382 smart interactive devices together with laptops for our junior schools in the country," he said.

The PS noted that the programme is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy and other stakeholders to ensure schools are equipped with modern teaching tools.

According to Bitok, the devices will support the Kenya Education Management Information System (KEMIS) and facilitate the delivery of educational content from a central point, enabling a more coordinated approach to learning.

"We are introducing smart boards in our classrooms, which are going to aid learning in all our junior schools around the country," he said.

He revealed that the current rollout marks the first phase of the programme, with a second phase involving the distribution of an additional 15,000 devices already planned.

"Our expectation is that every junior school in our country will have a smart board to aid learning," Bitok said.

The Ministry of Education is also working with teacher training institutions to equip educators with the digital skills needed to effectively use the devices.

"We are encouraging all our teachers and stakeholders to ensure that we utilise this equipment so that we can improve the quality of learning," he said.

The PS added that the government is simultaneously pursuing internet connectivity and solar power projects in schools to support the digital learning agenda.

"We are rolling out solarisation, so we shall be having power in all our schools," he said, adding that the combined initiatives would help transform the country's education sector.

Responding to concerns over maintenance and security of the devices, Bitok said suppliers and original equipment manufacturers would provide after-sales support and technical assistance.

"The service providers that have supplied these documents are going to give us additional support services. The suppliers and original equipment manufacturers are on the ground to ensure that they support the deployment and maintenance of this equipment," he said.

He cited China's education system as an example of how technology can be integrated into classrooms, noting that Kenya is pursuing a similar path.

"In every school in China, there's a smart board. In Kenya, we are doing the same," Bitok said.

The PS also proposed that schools establish dedicated rooms to house the equipment, allowing learners from different grades to access the facilities on a rotational basis.

National Assembly Education Committee Chairperson Julius Melly described the launch as a milestone in Kenya's educational and technological advancement.

"This is a momentous time in our country's history as we launch digital aids in our classrooms," Melly said.

He argued that the devices could help address teacher shortages by enabling lessons to be transmitted to multiple schools simultaneously.

"If we have a school that has one language teacher or one science teacher who is available in one of the schools and not available in the other schools, it means that out of that one school, we are able to beam out a lesson to multiple schools using these devices," he said.

Melly said the initiative would help prepare Kenyan learners for the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution while strengthening the country's position as a regional leader in digital innovation.

The government maintained that all registered junior schools will benefit from the programme, dismissing concerns over the criteria used to determine the first beneficiaries.

"If you don't get it in phase one, you will get it in phase two. We are going to deliver devices to all our junior schools around the country," Bitok said.

The rollout forms part of the government's broader strategy to integrate technology into education and expand access to digital learning resources for learners across the country.