Procurement of laptops for primary schools underway, President Uhuru Kenyatta says

KISAUNI

President Uhuru Kenyatta has disclosed that preparation for a rigorous, cost-effective and accountable procurement of laptops is underway.

He urged all public primary school managers to update their capacity to implement a technology-based curriculum as the Government rolls out the laptop programme.

“My administration has embarked on the initiative to supply children commencing primary school with laptops,” President Kenyatta said.

The President spoke on Tuesday at Sheikh Zayyed Children’s Centre when he opened the Kenya Primary School Head Teachers 9th Annual Delegates’ Conference.

He emphasised the Government's determination to raise a generation of Kenyans equipped - at the earliest possible point in their lives - with globally competitive competencies.

The President said this will give Kenya the edge it needs in innovation, service and industry to lead the region and continent.

“The transformation has begun, and there is no looking back. It is taking place in the classroom, we are serious,” President Kenyatta said.

He pointed out that the laptops will usher in an era of interactive, student-centred teaching that will free teachers to mentor pupils and perform their core educational roles.

The President said the laptop programme will also bring electric power connection to many primary schools in the country for the first time.

NEW BEGINNING

“As far as child friendly initiatives go, nothing promises greater gains in our time. The laptops usher in “new beginnings” and an “enormous birth.” Please embrace them,” President Kenyatta said.

Apart from imparting knowledge and skills, the President said the education system must focus on the quality and integrity of the citizen it is nurturing.

He said the education system should inculcate intellectual probity and national cohesion that will curb corruption, tribalism and lack of civic-mindedness that have wrought unimaginable damage to the national fabric.

“We require a system that honours competitiveness without demoting consideration for others. The ethos of selflessness and service must find its way back into the classroom, somehow, and into the minds and hearts of our children,” the President said.

The primary school head teachers, led by the Kenya Primary Schools Head Teachers Association (KEPSHA) National Chairman, Mr. Joseph Kairu Karuga, supported the Government’s laptop initiative saying the issue is not if but when it will commence.

Mr Karuga said integration of ICT in primary schools will boost the learning environment and equip pupils with adequate skills.