Officials flag off the distribution of laptops and interactive smart boards to Junior Secondary Schools during the launch of the programme at CEMASTEA in Nairobi on June 9, 2026.
NAIROBI, June 9, 2026 (KNA) – The Government has officially launched the nationwide distribution of laptops and interactive smart boards to Junior Secondary Schools, a move aimed at strengthening digital learning and supporting the implementation of the Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum.
The exercise, flagged off at the Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) in Nairobi, will see 10,382 schools receive a teacher laptop and a 65-inch interactive smart board through a phased rollout across the country.
The programme is being implemented by the ICT Authority under the Kenya Digital Economy Acceleration Project (KDEAP) with support from the World Bank.
Speaking during the launch, Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Stephen Isaboke said the initiative demonstrates the Government’s commitment to preparing learners for a rapidly evolving digital world.
“Today, we are not merely flagging off devices; we are investing in human capital, digital skills and the future prosperity of our children,” said Isaboke.
He said the Government is focused on equipping learners with the knowledge and competencies required to participate effectively in the digital economy and contribute to national development.
“We want our learners not to merely consume technology, but to create it, innovate through it, and apply it to solving challenges facing their communities and our nation,” he added.
The PS noted that digital inclusion remains central to the Government’s digital transformation agenda, supported by investments in connectivity infrastructure, digital hubs and digital skills development programmes to ensure equitable access to opportunities for all learners.
The launch featured a demonstration of the smart boards’ capabilities, including a remote learning session linking participants at the event with students at New Mukuru Primary School, which has been using a smart board donated by Huawei.
ICT Authority Chief Executive Officer Jessy Maruti said the success of the programme would be measured by its impact on teaching and learning rather than the number of devices distributed.
“The true value of this programme will not be measured by the number of devices delivered, but by the impact they create in classrooms,” said Maruti.
He noted that the devices are expected to enrich classroom experiences, improve access to digital learning resources and support more interactive teaching methods.
“We envision teachers delivering more interactive lessons, learners accessing richer educational content, and schools becoming centres of innovation and digital excellence,” he added.
Maruti said the Authority remains committed to ensuring all devices reach their intended schools and are effectively utilized, while working with partners to expand reliable internet connectivity, particularly in underserved regions.
World Bank KDEAP Task Leader Aneliya Muller said the initiative would help make learning more engaging while equipping young people with critical digital skills needed in today’s labour market.
“These devices will make lessons more visual, interactive and engaging, supporting digital literacy from an early stage and helping young Kenyans develop the skills increasingly required in today’s labour market,” said Muller.
She observed that secondary schools play a critical role in developing digital and problem-solving skills necessary for future employment and economic growth.
Muller added that the programme would enrich classroom instruction and help ensure that learners, regardless of their location or background, have equal opportunities to acquire knowledge and prepare for the future.
Dagoretti South MP and Chairperson of the National Assembly Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation John Kiarie described the initiative as a strategic investment in Kenya’s competitiveness in the digital era.
“Today’s flag-off marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s digital transformation journey,” said Kiarie.
He noted that technology has become an essential component of modern education and will help prepare learners for opportunities emerging in a rapidly changing global economy.
“By integrating technology into our classrooms, we are equipping learners with the skills needed to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and reinforcing Kenya’s position as a leader in ICT and the digital economy,” he added.
The Government said the distribution of devices forms part of a broader digital learning ecosystem that includes teacher preparedness, connectivity, digital content, reliable power supply, technical support, maintenance and continuous monitoring to ensure sustainable impact.
Officials noted that more than 30,000 kilometres of fibre optic infrastructure have already been deployed nationwide towards a target of 100,000 kilometres, while over 8,000 public institutions have been connected to the internet.
The initiative aligns with the Government’s vision of building a digitally connected, knowledge-driven economy and ensuring that no learner is left behind as the country advances towards a digitally empowered future.
