School Heads Warned Over Safety of Digital Learning Devices as Government Rolls Out Gadgets

By Alfayo Isaac

The government has rolled out phase one of ICT gadgets to enhance digital learning in public primary schools across the country.

Kericho is among the eight counties that benefited from the flagship programme launched by President William Ruto in Kitale, Trans-Nzoia, on Wednesday.

Learners received laptops and Interactive Smart Boards during the launch at Kericho Township Primary School.

County ICT Chairperson Lily Ngo'k led the exercise where a total of 239 schools across the county each received devices.

While handing over the devices, Ngo'k issued a stern warning to school heads and education stakeholders regarding the use, security and maintenance of the gadgets.

"The Government of Kenya led by President William Ruto has injected millions of shillings into the purchase of these devices with the aim of enhancing digital learning. It is the duty of school heads to ensure the safety of the gadgets, and all will be held accountable in case of any damage or theft," said Ngo'k.

She said the devices are fitted with a tracking system and monitoring platform to ensure teachers maximize their use to enable interactive learning and prepare learners for an increasingly tech-driven world, as well as integrate technology into the school curriculum.

Ngo'k added that the world is now a global village through technology and digital literacy is needed to secure the future of coming generations.

Kericho County Education Officer Julius Ngoneshi also expressed concern over possible damage or theft of the devices due to negligence, saying the Ministry will not tolerate such cases and school heads will bear responsibility.

Ngoneshi said the devices play a critical role in the CBC curriculum where learners benefit from interactive learning, unlike the past education system, in this era of global digital transformation.