The National Government is stepping up its preparations to ensure that thousands of primary and secondary schools have access to the internet by 2025.
In the last three months, more than 200 schools have been connected as part of a digital master plan to drive the integration of information and communication technology programs in educational institutions.
“Ensuring every school has the internet will enhance learning because students can access academic materials online and undertake research,” Acting Chief Executive of the Information and Communication Technology Authority (ICTA) Paul Rono said.
He was in Isiolo over the weekend, accompanied by ICTA board chair Fredrick Owino, to observe the government’s ICT initiatives.
Rono stated that they will soon begin offering IT skills in order to enable more Kenyans to access online jobs and business opportunities, and encouraged individuals interested to register on their citizen training site.
“Those interested will be facilitated to get quality training on technology use which will help them apply for jobs online and network with others in other parts of the world,” he said, adding that the training centres will be established in the wards.
The crew also looked at infrastructure ahead of the start of tarmacking of the Isiolo-Modogashe-Mandera road, which is part of the Sh83.7 billion Horn of Africa Gateway development project, which is co-financed by the World Bank and the Kenyan government.
One of the greatest infrastructure projects in the region is the road that would go through Isiolo, Meru, Wajir, Garissa, and Mandera counties.
Isiolo, Wajir, Garissa, and Mandera are among Kenya’s ten poorest counties, with a poverty rate of over 50 per cent.
Contractors are on site, according to Isiolo County Commissioner Geoffrey Omondi, who announced during Madaraka Day celebrations on June 1 that work will begin this month.
A fibre-optic connection will be installed along the route, according to Owino, to assist schools and other public buildings.
“The government has invested a lot to establish the existing infrastructure. We ask communities to protect it because they stand to lose if stolen or vandalised,” said Owino.
Also in attendance was ICTA acting Director of Programmes and Standards Thomas Odhiambo.