Ministry Launches School Internet Connectivity Project Report
The Ministry of Education, in partnership with UNESCO and Huawei and in collaboration with the ICT Authority, has released an assessment report on the effects of a pilot project on internet connectivity in selected schools.
The Principal Secretary (PS) for Basic Education, Dr. Belio Kipsang, noted on Wednesday that the government intended to expand internet connectivity to all schools in the nation as stated in the Digital Masterplan and the Digital Superhighway Pillar of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda Plan during the report’s launch at Friends’ School Kamusinga.
He mentioned that the report would serve as a guiding document for optimizing the impact on learners and educators nationwide.
Dr. Belio Kipsang emphasized that the report had indicated how the internet contributes to improved access to education and equal opportunities, particularly for students in rural areas, including girls and those with disabilities.
He expressed gratitude to Huawei for their TECH4ALL initiative and UNESCO for collaborating with the government in establishing sustainable internet connectivity through the government’s fiber-optic network.
He also thanked them for their support in conducting this significant evaluative report.
According to the report, 98 percent of students indicated that the internet met their requirements, and schools reported saving 120 thousand shillings on mobile data bundles.
In addition, 84% of learners said that the Internet makes learning more exciting; 71% said that it makes complex concepts simpler to understand; 54% said that it makes learning more engaging; 23% said that it makes learning more enjoyable; and 13% said that it increases class attendance.
Mr. Joshua Opondo, the Director of the ICT Authority, highlighted in a statement that the government had already finalized an intricate plan to expand fiber connectivity across the country, with schools serving as the initiative’s main beneficiaries.
He mentioned that several hospitals, universities, and TVETs had already been linked to the NOFBI network.
Mr. Opondo further indicated that the recent report serves as a clear affirmation of the validity of resource allocation and the urgent need to prioritize the expansion of this program to enhance the learning experience across all schools.
During her address, Mrs. Maureen Mwaniki from Huawei Kenya, speaking on behalf of the Deputy CEO, acknowledged that Huawei’s 25-year endeavor in contributing to the establishment of networks connecting mobile devices, residences, and governmental establishments throughout the country underscores the significance of including schools in these developments.
She emphasized that such inclusion is essential for equipping learners with the necessary skills for their forthcoming careers in a digital economy.
Mrs. Mwaniki also expressed the commitment of Huawei to collaborate with the government and UN partners to facilitate increased connectivity and digital literacy among the Kenyan population.
Mamadou Lamine, UNESCO’s Chief for Education in East Africa, discussed how the Internet could contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 4 and guarantee that no student is left behind.
“Schools from all parts of the country benefited from this project, and I am pleased to see that girls use the internet at the same rate as boys and that 70% of students are using the internet to enhance their Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)-related lessons, which are crucial for the future growth of this country,” he said.
The champions of the Digischool Creative Competition were honored at the event. Depending on their age, participants were required to ruminate on the impact of the internet on their education and then submit a drawing, essay, or video. To facilitate this, 31 students were given tablets and smartwatches.
Amatu Primary School in Meru County, Kenya, received three tablets and a printer for their pupils’ efforts in winning the category for outstanding school.
Partners in the Internet connectivity to schools project, including ICT Authority Director Joshua Opondo, Huawei Kenya Representative Maureen Mwaniki, UNESCO Multi-sectoral Regional Office for Eastern Africa Chief for Education Mamadou Lamine Sow, and Kenya National Commission for UNESCO Secretary-General Dr. James Njogu, were present at the event with Dr. Belio.
Ministry Launches School Internet Connectivity Project Report
