The Government has launched the nationwide distribution of digital learning devices to Junior Secondary Schools, marking a significant step in advancing digital education and supporting the implementation of the Competency-Based Education (CBE) framework.
The exercise, flagged off at the Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) on Tuesday, will see 10,382 schools receive a teacher laptop and a 65-inch interactive smart board under a phased rollout coordinated by the ICT Authority through the Kenya Digital Economy Acceleration Project (KDEAP), with support from the World Bank.
The exercise aims to enhance the quality of teaching and learning in Junior Secondary Schools by expanding access to digital educational resources, strengthening digital literacy among learners, and equipping them with the knowledge and skills required to participate effectively in Kenya’s growing digital economy.
Speaking during the launch, Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Stephen Isaboke said the programme represents a strategic investment in Kenya’s future workforce.
“Today, we are not merely distributing devices; we are investing in human capital, digital skills and the future prosperity of our children. We want our learners not only to consume technology but also to create, innovate and use it to solve challenges facing their communities and our nation,” he said.
Mr Isaboke noted that the Government’s broader digital transformation agenda continues to prioritize inclusion through investments in connectivity, digital infrastructure, innovation hubs and digital skills development to ensure all learners have access to opportunities in the digital age.
ICT Authority Chief Executive Officer Jessy Maruti emphasized that the success of the programme would ultimately be measured by its impact in classrooms.
“The true value of this initiative will not be measured by the number of devices delivered, but by the outcomes they create for teachers and learners. We envision more interactive lessons, greater access to quality educational content and schools becoming centres of innovation and digital excellence,” he said.
Mr Maruti added that the Authority is committed to ensuring the devices reach their intended schools while working with partners to expand internet connectivity, particularly in underserved areas.
World Bank KDEAP Task Leader Aneliya Muller said the initiative would help transform learning experiences by making lessons more engaging and interactive while strengthening digital literacy among learners.
“These devices will support teachers in delivering more effective lessons and help learners acquire the digital, problem-solving and complementary skills increasingly required in today’s labour market,” she said.
Ms Muller noted that junior secondary education plays a critical role in preparing young people for future opportunities and ensuring that learners, regardless of location or background, have equitable access to quality education.
Dagoretti South MP and Chairperson of the National Assembly Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation John Kiarie described the rollout as a major milestone in Kenya’s digital transformation journey.
“By integrating technology into our classrooms, we are equipping learners with the skills needed to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution while reinforcing Kenya’s position as a leader in ICT and the digital economy,” he said.
The Government noted that the device distribution programme forms part of a broader digital learning ecosystem that includes teacher training, digital content, connectivity, technical support, maintenance and continuous monitoring to ensure sustainable impact.
To support digital learning nationwide, more than 30,000 kilometres of fibre optic infrastructure have already been deployed towards the national target of 100,000 kilometres, while over 8,000 public institutions have been connected to the internet.
The initiative aligns with the Government’s vision of building a digitally connected, knowledge-driven economy and ensuring that no learner is left behind as Kenya advances towards a digitally empowered future.
