Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Julius Ogamba has presided over the launch of a programme to equip ICT labs in 35 Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs) across the country by 2026.
The programme, spearheaded by the Ministry of Education, in conjunction with Safaricom Foundation and Vodafone is aimed at scaling up digital skills among teacher trainees countrywide.
Speaking during the launch at Machakos Teachers Training College, Ogamba said the integration of ICT in education was timely coming at a time when the Competency Based Education Training (CBET) targets to equip teacher trainees with ICT competencies.
“There’s need to utilize ICT as a pedagogical tool in learning to enable teachers to survive in the dynamic 21st century classroom,” he said.
He noted that eight computer labs in Machakos, Egoji, Kamwenja, Shanzu, Kericho, Eregi, Asumbi and Garrissa TTCs have already been equipped in the first phase of the programme.
In attendance were County Commissioner Josephine Ouko and Machakos TTC Principal Joyce Mabwai among other dignitaries.
Safaricom Foundation Chairman Joe Ogutu said the objective of the programme is to enhance educational outcomes by strengthening teacher and learner competencies.
The programme, worth Ksh240 million, includes 42 desktop computers, a HP server which powers 42 devices, 2 projectors and screens. There are two access points for WIFI access at Machakos TTC.
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Ogutu said the Foundation will also support 600 primary schools across the country to have ICT labs which will also be available to the local communities as resource centers.
He disclosed that the Foundation donates between 400 to 600 computers yearly.
Machakos TTC Principal, Ms. Mabwai, said that the college with a population of 1,045 teacher trainees and 50 teaching staff now boasts of two fully refurbished and equipped computer labs which will scale up digital literacy and quality training at the institution founded in 1958.
By Stephen Muthini
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