Ministry to start pilot distribution of laptops

The Ministry of ICT is expected to start delivering free laptops on a pilot basis in 150 selected primary schools across the country in the next two weeks.

This follows the unveiling of the Digital Literacy Programme Devices targeting more than 22, 000 public primary schools by Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru.

Speaking during the official opening of Connected Summit 2016 conference on Sunday, Mr Mucheru said the ministry is expecting 10,000 devices in the next four weeks.

He added that the ministry is in the process of undergoing proof of concept before officially rolling out the devices to all counties in the whole country.

“We are very proud as a ministry and to actually launch the devices. We want to make sure that our promise to build a knowledge-based society and economy are fulfilled,” he said.

Mr Mucheru explained the devices can be given to both learners and teachers. Those to be used by teachers will have more content.

The CS said the ministry has so far trained over 60,000 teachers on how to use the devices, which are loaded with a digitised curriculum for pupils in Standard One to Standard Two.

“We are extremely proud and excited now that we have launched this project and in the next few weeks you will be welcomed to participate as we go around delivering the devices,” he said.

Council of Governors vice-chairman Salim Mvurya supported the project, dispelling allegations that some counties have refused to offer way leave for fibre connection to schools.

TOGETHER ALL THE WAY

Mr Mvurya said there was no good communication regarding the issue, adding that all counties are willing to partner with the ministry in streamlining the project.

“Our role is to open up the environment so that this initiative succeeds. We will provide the political goodwill and where resources are required we will also co-share,” he said.

Similarly, Council of Governor’s chairman for communication and ICT Kenneth Lusaka affirmed that counties had embraced ICT in a number of areas, for example, in revenue collection.

Mr Lusaka clarified that counties do not oppose the e-procurement system, saying the only challenge they had was infrastructure development and Internet connection.

“I just want to confirm on behalf of the council that we are embracing ICT; we shall support and also ask the ministry to build our capacity in terms of putting infrastructures in place,” he said.

Other dignitaries who attended the summit include Rwanda PS for Youth and ICT Rosemary Mbabazi and ICT PS Victor Kyalo.

The summit is an annual gathering of public and private sector players organized by the ICT Authority. This year’s summit is the eighth edition and its theme is "Bridging the Service Gap".