Kenya Launches National ICT Learning Programme for Junior Schools

Kenya has officially launched the National Integration of ICT Learning in Junior Schools, a nationwide initiative aimed at accelerating digital learning and strengthening the delivery of the Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum in public schools.

The programme was launched by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki at Kaptarkok Junior School in Keiyo South Constituency, Elgeyo Marakwet County. It is being implemented by the ICT Authority,  under the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy , in partnership with the Ministry of Education  through the Kenya Digital Economy Acceleration Project (KDEAP) with support from the World Bank. 

Under the initiative, 10,382 public junior schools across the country will receive teacher laptops and interactive smart boards to enhance digital teaching and learning. The government said the programme is designed to strengthen classroom instruction while supporting the rollout of the Competency-Based Education framework.

In preparation for the deployment, more than 62,000 junior school teachers have been trained to integrate digital technologies into teaching and learning in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Teachers Service Commission. Beyond providing devices, the programme also includes reliable internet connectivity, digital learning content, technical support and continuous monitoring to create a comprehensive digital learning ecosystem.

During the launch, learners and invited guests witnessed a live Integrated Science lesson transmitted simultaneously from Kaptarkok Junior School to students in six schools across six counties, demonstrating how digital technologies can overcome geographical barriers and expand access to quality education. The first phase of the programme will equip 176 learning institutions in Elgeyo Marakwet County with interactive smart boards.

Speaking at the event, Deputy President Kindiki said modernising education is essential to Kenya’s long-term development, noting that the country’s journey toward becoming a first-world economy requires education systems that meet global standards.

The government said the rollout complements its Digital Superhighway Programme, under which more than 30,000 kilometres of fibre optic infrastructure have already been deployed toward a target of 100,000 kilometres. More than 8,000 public institutions have also been connected to the internet as part of broader efforts to expand digital infrastructure nationwide.

Officials said the initiative reflects Kenya’s commitment to ensuring that every learner, regardless of location, has access to quality digital education while helping build a digitally skilled workforce capable of supporting the country’s growing digital economy.