Half of schools to miss laptops
What you need to know:
- The report comes amid controversy over the procurement of 1.2 million laptops for Standard One learners at a cost of Sh24 billion
Some 11,065 primary schools will not immediately benefit from the laptop project due to lack of electricity.
The Rural Electrification Authority (REA), that has been tasked with ensuring power connectivity all over the country, has reported that it has only managed 48 per cent connections for schools.
Only 10,157 schools countrywide are connected to the national grid with the project set to be rolled out by the government next month.
According to a REA report, about 3,500 schools would be connected by the end of this financial year through grid extension while 400 would benefit from solar PV connections in areas outside the grids.
CONTROVERSY
The report further stated that there was no commitment to connect the remaining 5,757 schools any time soon. It comes amid controversy over the procurement of 1.2 million laptops for Standard One learners at a cost of Sh24 billion. (READ: Laptop tender sparks bitter war in Jubilee)
The government will pay Sh14.7 billion for the laptops this financial year and the balance next year.
“The budget for the devices was estimated at about Sh12.7 billion, while the actual cumulative cost of the devices from the lowest bidders is Sh24.6 billion. This leaves a budget deficit of about Sh10.1 billion,” said Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang.
Dr Kipsang defended the procurement of the laptops, insisting the process was above board. (READ: MPs: Firm unfit to supply laptops)
“We do not want to engage in rumours. But we will wait for the appeal process to be concluded,” he said.
On Monday, the Nation obtained due diligence report detailing the findings of the committee that toured the factories and offices of the lowest bidder in China and in India.
The report, approved by the ministerial tender committee, is now subject of the appeal filed by Haier and Hewlett-Parkard Europe BV, who have challenged the award of the multi-billion-shilling tender to the Indian company.
Kyocera Document Solutions beat Haier to win the tender to supply 20,637 printers at a cost of Sh172.1 million, while Viviright Company Limited was automatically selected to supply 20,637 projectors at a cost of Sh751.2 million.
MPs have questioned the rationale for the procurement of printers and projectors arguing that standard one pupils don’t need them.
