Owalo Details Kenya’s Gov’t e-Learning Plans

The Kenyan government is leading the way in transforming the education sector through digital innovation. At The Vertical: Ed-Tech Summit held at the Mövenpick Hotel & Residences in Nairobi on Thursday, Eluid Owalo, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Digital Economy, outlined the government’s commitment to using technology to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the modern world.

Owalo, who gave a keynote address at the summit, which brings together stakeholders in the education sector and explores the latest trends and developments in EdTech, said the Kenyan government is committed to promoting the use of technology in education.

“The government is dedicated to working with all stakeholders to create an environment that supports the effective use of technology in the classroom. We believe that technology can transform education and provide our students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the modern world,” he said.

The CS highlighted the government investments in technology infrastructure and programs aimed at promoting the adoption of technology in education. Some key initiatives that the government has launched include the Digital Literacy Program, which provides students with access to technology and digital skills training, and the e-Learning Platform, which provides online learning resources for teachers and students. It is also working on expanding the country’s fibre optic network, connecting schools and establishing free Wi-Fi hotspots to improve Internet access in the country.

Owalo also revealed that the new administration is exploring the potential of Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Cloud Computing, and 5G in transforming the education sector. “These technologies have the power to revolutionize the way we teach and learn, and the government is committed to leveraging them to create more effective and efficient education systems. AI, for example, has the potential to personalize learning, improve teacher workload, and provide valuable insights into student progress and areas of difficulty. Big Data and Cloud Computing can provide teachers and students with access to a wealth of educational resources, while 5G can enhance the quality of online learning and improve connectivity in rural areas.”

Sayantan Dev, President, Redington Value, said, “The Vertical by Redington empowers businesses across industries to adopt new technologies swiftly so that they can expedite their digital agendas.  Chapter 2 of the event, Ed-Tech Summit in Kenya has been a resounding success as the market navigates challenges surrounding digital and blended learning models and deploys solutions to enable students and teachers alike. We are at the forefront of innovation and supporting our partners to assist customers as they embrace cloud-first strategies to transform traditional educational methods. We are excited to play a vital role in helping enterprises redefine business outcomes.”

Zahid Sumar, General Manager – East and Southern Africa, Redington Value Division lauded the summit as a chance for stakeholders to share their experiences, insights, and ideas on how to use technology to transform education and create a brighter future for all Kenyans. He said urged the government and learning institutions to partner with technology companies to fast-track digital transformation in the education sector.