The Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, in partnership with Huawei and UNESCO, has launched phase two of the Digischool Internet Project at the Machakos School for the Deaf to expand on internet connectivity and inclusion in schools.
Principal Secretary for ICT, Engineer John Tanui, who presided over the event on behalf of ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo, said the launch was part of the government’s plan of integrating technology into education and ensuring all students’, especially special needs students, were equipped in digital learning through reliable internet.
He said that they have provided them with video conferencing solutions to ensure special needs students were connected and also to ensure that the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) could teach several schools from one location.
“We took a bold step in ensuring every learner, including those in special needs schools, has access to digital opportunities, thus empowering students with digital skills and bridging the digital divide,” Tanui said.
Tanui affirmed that the several digital hubs they have deployed in the country were to enable young people to learn and access jobs online that would cater for their needs while encouraging entrepreneurship.
He noted that they were collaborating with the private sector, who were to fill the gap in the provision of resources that the government may not cover and also ensure the whole country was connected.
“We cannot deliver alone as a government; we are working with the private sector to ensure we connect our people and utilize all available solutions to ensure every part of the country is connected,” noted the PS.
Also present was Huawei Deputy CEO, Stephen Zhang, who echoed the PS’s remarks, adding that internet connectivity was improving the efficiency of education management as it assisted teacher’s access management systems online while improving access to education resources and making learning more interesting and effective.
Zhang pointed out that they have connected other special needs schools in Migori and Tana River Counties with internet and video conferencing facilities, and they could then access services at KISE, which had guided experts in providing assessment and rehabilitation services remotely.
“Huawei’s Tech4ALL inclusive aims to enable an inclusive and sustainable digital world, and together with our partners we are committed to emerging technologies and solutions that make the world a more sustainable space for all,” Zhang said.
UNESCO Regional Director for Eastern Africa, Louise Haxthausen, said that access to the internet opens doorways to an unlimited wealth of relevant information, knowledge and educational resources, which expands educational opportunities in and beyond the classroom.
Haxthausen disclosed that having the internet was not enough and learning institutions should utilise the internet to improve the quality of teaching and learning through the provision of free digital education content and invest more in accessible technology and universal designs to open more opportunities for learners with disabilities.
He said the first phase of the project connected 13 schools to the internet, benefiting 6,000 learners, while the second phase has so far connected 21 schools to the internet and benefited 10,000 learners and will soon be embarking on phase three to include 6 special needs schools.
He however, noted that the cost of equipping schools with ICT devices and providing affordable internet was a major investment challenge that required a broad strategic partnership and cooperation from all stakeholders because the benefits were high and impactful.
PS Tanui later led the ICT’s 6th Town hall meeting themed “Unlocking Potential Opportunities in the Digital Economy” at the Machakos University, where over 200 students and panelists converged to discuss digital platforms, digital skilling for online work, data protection and cyber security.
While the students were drawn from other Universities in Machakos, the panelists were drawn from the office of data protection, Inua AI, State Department for Basic Education, Higher Education and TVETs, where they touched on the government‘s contribution in digital opportunities and Jitume Labs.
By Anne Kangero
