Deputy President William Ruto has said over 1.2 million children in class one will receive Digital Learning Devices (DLP) by the end of the year to enhance teaching and learning in schools.

Mr. Ruto said the government is committed to laying a firm foundation for Kenyan children to compete equally globally by integrating technology in the school curriculum at Primary level through the DLP project.

Speaking at Burendwa Primary school in Kakamega County during a thanks giving service for the Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunication, Mr. Sammy Itemere, on 15th October 2016, Mr. Ruto said for successful implementation of the project nationally, the government has connected over 22,500 schools to the national power grid in readiness for the project.

He said Sh.600 million was allocated to Kakamega County for supply of electricity to schools to facilitate implementation of the DLP, establishment of small scale businesses and improved standards of living. He noted that over 800 schools have been connected to power supply in the county and the remaining 74 will be covered before the end of the year.

“The objective of the government is to ensure all children in the country have equal opportunity to access education regardless of the environment or status in the society” said Ruto.

He said the government was putting in place measures to ensure universal access to education through increased capitation to schools, waiver of the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education and the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education Examination fees and connection of power to all primary schools.

The Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Joe Mucheru said exposure of children to ICT will accord them opportunity to take advantage of technology for career advancement and employment.

15th October 2016 By Cheruiyot Korir