Stop doubting laptop project, PS urges public
Natasha Wakesho, a standard three pupil at Upweoni Primary School in Malindi, uses her dad's mini laptop at their Ngala Estate. PHOTO / ROBERT NYAGAH
Information Permanent Secretary Bitange Ndemo has challenged Kenyans to stop doubting the feasibility of the free laptop programme that President Kenyatta wants to roll out for standard one children joining public schools next year.
He instead wants the public to start thinking of how they can earn income by generating content for the solar-powered gadgets.
“Nine out of 10 foreigners who have come to my office have said they have content. But no Kenyan has come forth to say they are ready to provide content in local languages,” Mr Ndemo said.
He made the remarks on Wednesday at the launch of a new Catholic University of East Africa campus located at I&M building in Nairobi.
“Let’s be curious and look at things from the positive side,” he added.
The free laptop programme was one of the pillars in the Jubilee manifesto and is meant to boost computer literacy.
The programme has however been criticised as a misplaced priority in country experiencing shortage of teachers and insufficient classrooms.
However, Dr Ndemo argued Kenyans can contribute to reducing costs by generating local content which will also help in promoting local culture.
“We don’t want to buy content from India or from the United Kingdom then go on to complain of unemployment. This is an opportunity to Kenyans,” said Mr Ndemo.
The PS challenged scholars to help relate what they study to the real problems Kenyans are experiencing especially by collaborating with global IT firms.
“Going to school is to enable you to be curious. Even if you are not a scientist, you can ask some questions. The challenge is what is contribution? What role are you playing in this world to change it?”
“Today, we have so many problems in our country. We need to relate what happens in class to what is happening on the ground.”
The University was launching its fourth campus in the country which, according to its Director Peter Mbaru, will host at least 500 students at a time and will run programmes for day and evening classes.
