Government Steps-up Digital Learning

Digital Literacy Programme (DLP) envisioned by the government of Kenya in 2016 with four components ranging from training of teachers in DLP programme, creating content for the learners, electrification of schools by Kenya Power and Lighting Company and issuance of DLP devices to schools continues to live to its billing.
With the main objective of entrenching Information Communication Technology (ICTs) in teaching, learning and equipping learners with the 21st century knowledge skills, the DLP initiative provides a blend of traditional learning to high-functioning classrooms technology-rich digital classrooms.
Affirming that the programme whose objective was to equip the young learners with skills, Joe Mucheru, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of ICT asserted that the overall goal of the project was for it to contribute to propelling the country's economy.
"Imparting skills to the young learners is vital since the future jobs requires people to have knowledge in ICT. It will also make the children be at par with the rest of the world and enable them compete competitively," said Mucheru.
In a quest to enhance digital learning strategy, the government purposed to incorporate more digital components to create a culture for continuous learning. To this effect, DLP was at its inception structured to conform to Creative Thinking, Innovation and Collaborative Learning.
By implementing the DLP initiative, the Ministry of ICT as the main driver of the project with ICT Authority being the implementing body has steered the programme pegged on provision of digital devices to both learners and teachers.
The initiative, which also provides Digital Content for learning, Teacher training, Broadband Connectivity and Assembly for digital devices and related accessories in schools.
Since the old methods of learning will not be effective in building skills for the future, the Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh, Ag. Chief Executive Officer, ICT Authority notes that government continues to equip young learners with ICT technology at the basic level through DLP.
Dr. Ronoh says the government has to date distributed at least 1.2 million DLP devices to primary schools for use by pupils in grade 1-3 across the country.