Govt delivers 11,000 laptops to pupils across the country

At least 11,000 Standard One pupils in public schools across the country started receiving free laptops from the 17 billion shillings Jubilee government laptop project.

In the first phase, each county will benefit with one to three primary schools receiving the tablets for pupils and laptops for teachers.

ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru says all public primary schools will have been connected to electricity before the end of next year, to increase the outreach of the project even in the remotest parts of the country.

In the second phase set to commence in June this year, the government is targeting to deliver more than 600,000 laptops to primary schools.

In Trans-Nzoia County, the government on Tuesday delivered over 438 free laptops to four schools in the County as excitement raged among pupils and teachers.

There were jubilations at Kitale School, one of the beneficiaries when officials from Moi University delivered 149 gadgets to the school.

The officials, however, declined to talk to journalists who had sought interview after they handed the gadgets to the management.

School Principal Mrs Margaret Wanyonyi commended the government for the delivery saying the gadgets will equip pupils with digital skills.

“We are happy that the government has finally availed the gadgets. Our pupils will be excited when they report back from the April holiday,” said the principal.

In Nandi County, pupils of Kapsabet primary school were a happy lot as they received free laptops from the national government under the Jublilee government laptop project.

The laptop project is a potentially potent tool for effective teaching and learning in schools. It is an attempt by government to integrate Information Communication and Technology ( ICT) in curriculum delivery in Kenyan schools.