The journey to a new digital era in primary schools began yesterday with over 11,500 Standard One pupils receiving tablet computers.
Yesterday, the Government distributed the computers in 12 schools across the country during the first phase of the programme, which will see a total of 151 schools getting the gadgets by May 9 this year.
There was celebration in Mombasa as pupils in three primary schools in the county received the computers.
Standard One pupils in Sparki Primary School in Mvita sub-county, Kisauni Primary School in Kisauni sub-county and Mwijabu Primary got their first feel of the learning digital devices (LDD) distributed by the Government yesterday.
When The Standard visited Sparki Primary School, teachers and officials from Moi University were making frantic efforts to unveil the computers.
And when everything was in order, the excited pupils were ushered into the classroom where they found the devices on the desks.
Watch cartoons
“I’m happy I will be able to watch cartoons. I will not write,” declared seven-year old Tasnim Abdalla admiring the tablet branded “Digi School”.
“We’ve received 80 learners’ tablets and two laptops for teachers in the two classes. The package also includes a projector and a WiFi device,” Sparki Headteacher Alfred Nthiga said.
Under the pilot project, Sparki Primary School was earmarked to receive 80 learning devices, Mwijabu 69 while Kisauni would get 111 devices.
Some 1,201 other devices are expected to be distributed in Kilifi, Taita Taveta, Tana River, Lamu and Kwale counties.
And at Kakamega Primary School, Headteacher David Ikunza thanked the Government for keeping its promise.
One of his pupils Belinda Mwonja, 6, was overjoyed with her new acquisition. “I can’t wait to learn new things and play educative games on the laptop. I have never used a laptop but I am sure after being taught, I will master it fast,” Mwonja said.
Mr Ikunza said some parents even helped build a store and charging units for the laptops.
“I am happy my school has been among the pilot schools. We have received 110 laptops for Standard One pupils, two laptops for teachers, one projector and one hard disk. The laptops will help us improve ICT knowledge, store data and download pictures for learning purposes,” he said.
At the same time, three schools in Vihiga County received a total of 262 tablets and laptops in the Jubilee government’s initial phase of the flagship project.
A spot check by The Standard at St Francis Hambale (Vihiga constituency) and Shipala (Hamisi) showed they were given 102 and 110 devices respectively.
“We have received the gadgets and already they have been installed and our pupils are using them. They have already learnt how to put them the the tablets on and off,” said Martha Majude, Shipala Primary School head teacher.
In Trans-Nzoia, over 438 devices were distributed in three schools amid excitement from pupils and teachers.
There was jubilation at Kitale School when officials from Moi University delivered 149 gadgets.
Moi University is one of the institutions that won the tender to supply, install and commission the laptop project in partnership with the JP Cousto Company from Portugal.
Kitale School Headteacher Margaret Wanyonyi led teachers and parents to commend the Government for the donation adding that the gadgets would support them in equipping pupils with digital skills.
Trans Nzoia Director of Education Joseph Wamocho said other primary schools that received the laptops included Noigum and Namanjalala, which got 170 and 113 respectively.
Each school received two additional laptops and a projector to help teachers who have been trained to teach the learners.
