The Government of Kenya today officially flagged off the distribution of laptops and interactive smart boards to Junior Secondary Schools across the country, marking a major milestone in strengthening digital learning and supporting the implementation of the Competency-Based Education (CBE) framework.
The flag-off ceremony, held at the Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA), brought together leaders from the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, the Ministry of Education, Parliament, the World Bank and the ICT Authority.
Implemented by the ICT Authority under the Kenya Digital Economy Acceleration Project (KDEAP) with support from the World Bank, the initiative will see 10,382 schools receive 1 teacher laptop and 1 interactive 65-inch smart board each through a phased nationwide rollout. The launch included a demonstration of the capabilities of the smart boards as well as a digital and remote class with students from New Mukuru Primary School who have been using a smart board donated by Huawei.
The distribution marks the beginning of a coordinated national effort aimed at enhancing teaching and learning experiences, expanding access to digital resources and equipping learners with the skills needed to participate effectively in the digital economy.
Speaking during the event, Mr. Stephen Isaboke, EBS, Principal Secretary, State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, emphasized the transformative role of digital learning in preparing Kenya’s future workforce.
“Today, we are not merely flagging off devices; we are investing in human capital, digital skills and the future prosperity of our children. We want our learners not to merely consume technology, but to create it, innovate through it, and apply it to solving challenges facing their communities and our nation,” said Mr. Isaboke.
He noted that inclusion remains central to the Government’s digital transformation agenda, supported by investments in digital infrastructure, connectivity, digital hubs and digital skills development to ensure that every Kenyan learner has equal opportunities to thrive in the digital age.
Mr. Jessy Maruti, Chief Executive Officer of the ICT Authority, highlighted the importance of focusing on educational outcomes and long-term impact. “The true value of this programme will not be measured not by the number of devices delivered, but by the impact they create in classrooms. We envision teachers delivering more interactive lessons, learners accessing richer educational content, and schools becoming centres of innovation and digital excellence,” said Mr. Maruti.
He added that ICT Authority remains committed to ensuring that every device reaches its intended school and delivers meaningful value to teachers and learners, while continuing to work with partners to expand reliable internet connectivity, particularly in underserved areas.
Ms. Aneliya Muller, KDEAP Task Leader at the World Bank underscored the transformative potential of the initiative for learners and teachers alike.”These devices will make lessons more visual, interactive and engaging, supporting digital literacy from an early stage and helping young Kenyans develop the skills increasingly required in today’s labour market,” said Ms. Muller.
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She noted that secondary schools play a critical role in building the digital, problem-solving and complementary skills needed for the jobs of today and the future. She added that the initiative would enrich teaching practices and help ensure that all learners, regardless of location or background, have a fair opportunity to learn, create and prepare for the future.
Hon. John Kiarie, MP for Dagoretti South and Chairperson of the National Assembly Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation, described the initiative as a strategic investment in Kenya’s competitiveness in the digital era.
“Today’s flag-off marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s digital transformation journey as we flag off digital learning devices to thousands of schools across the country. By integrating technology into our classrooms, we are equipping learners with the skills needed to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and reinforcing Kenya’s position as a leader in ICT and the digital economy,” said Hon. Kiarie.
He added that digital learning tools have the potential to transform how education is delivered by expanding access to quality instruction and supporting innovative approaches to addressing educational challenges.
The Government emphasized that the distribution of devices represents one component of a broader digital learning ecosystem that includes teacher preparedness, digital content, connectivity, technical support, maintenance and continuous monitoring to ensure sustainable impact.
To date, more than 30,000 kilometres of fibre optic infrastructure has already been deployed nationwide towards the target of 100,000 kilometres, while over 8,000 public institutions have already 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 where education serves as the foundation for innovation, productivity and inclusive national development.
The Government emphasized that the devices represent only one component of a broader digital learning ecosystem that includes teacher preparedness, connectivity, digital content, reliable power supply, technical support, maintenance, and continuous monitoring.
