In a groundbreaking move to enhance digital literacy in schools, Othaya Constituency has become the first in Kenya to initiate a comprehensive programme to repair and restore digital learning devices provided to primary schools during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration.
The initiative, spearheaded by Cyrus Wanyiri Kanyi, the Education Coordinator for Othaya Constituency, addresses the growing concern over the functionality of these devices. Many had been rendered unusable due to technical faults, leaving schools struggling to integrate technology into learning.
The concern of faulty devices was raised by the head teacher, Witima Primary School, and since the repair contract with the manufacturer had expired, they sought help elsewhere.
Kanyi sought assistance from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), the local assembler of the devices, who successfully repaired them at a cost. Most primary schools in the region are struggling with nonfunctional devices, hampering the government’s efforts to integrate digital learning into the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). This partnership marked a turning point for the region’s digital literacy efforts.
Othaya MP Wambugu Wainaina encouraged with a proposal to repair all faulty devices in the constituency, pledged to support the programme. Subsequently, all 56 primary schools in Othaya have so far benefited from this initiative sponsored by the Othaya Constituency Development Fund (CDF). Over 500 devices are earmarked for repair or replacement.
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Technicians from JKUAT, led by Michael Munyua Waititu, Deputy Director of JKUAT Industrial Park, were present during the exercise.
“This initiative is a testament to the importance of collaboration between educational institutions, government, and communities,” Munyua Waititu stated. “Our team is committed to ensuring these devices are restored to functionality so they can serve their intended purpose in enhancing digital learning.”
Speaking during the exercise, Joel Macharia, a representative of MP Wambugu Wainaina, applauded the partnership between JKUAT and Othaya Constituency. He emphasized that functional devices would play a critical role in ensuring students gain essential digital skills in line with the CBC curriculum.
The devices were originally assembled by JKUAT for distribution to primary schools across the country under the government’s digital literacy program. While the initiative was widely lauded, the lack of a sustainable repair and maintenance plan left many schools grappling with broken devices.
By Rodgers Wagura
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