School laptop project was a project that was intr by the Jubilee Government. The project did not pick up as expected owing to many challenges. The ICT CS Nominee has promised to revive the project alongside a massive digital literacy programme rollout if given a chance.
Eliud Owalo, who appeared on Friday before the National Assembly’s Committee on Appointment, was answering a question on how the government would actualise its pledge to lower data and calls.
He said that it is doable even through the Konza technopolis. There is a rollout in place for laptops distribution. However, the distribution is not the only issue, a massive e-literacy programme must be undertaken at all levels so as to meet the market demands.
The Jubilee government launched the program in 2016 and it was envisioned to breach the gap in digital skills in Kenyan primary schools. However, years later, the reports from Headteachers showed that the laptops are lying idle in schools.
Reports indicate that the big project crashed due to teachers and learners not being prepared adequately for the rollout.
The government shifted focus in 2019 from laptop distribution, to putting up buildings which shall be used as computer laboratories for 25,000 public primary schools across the country.
With the buildings already in place and laptops available in schools, Owalo is hopeful that given an opportunity to serve the nation as Cabinet Secretary ICT the gap in digital skills and literary in our public schools will be be a thing of the past.
