Kenyan startup eKitabu has announced the winners of Kenya’s first ever digital essay competition, which saw students submit essays online as part of a wider move to advance the use of digital content in transforming education.
Gloria Shani Kabare of The Kenya High School, Cherop Maisy Chuma of St Joseph’s Girls High School and Komora Tenny Kanana of Malindi High School took the first, second and third positions respectively.
The judge’s award went to Esther Hope Wahu of Bishop Gatimu Ngandu Girls High School in Nyeri who, along with her essay, submitted a hand drawn picture showing her analogue life today and her digital future.
Over 2,000 public and private schools across Kenya submitted their essays online on “How Will Technology Improve My Learning” and the finalists were chosen using comprehension, creativity, organisation, writing and conclusions as criteria.
“Thank you to all teachers and students who contributed to making Kenya’s first ever nationwide Digital Essay Competition competitive, creative and full of energy,” said eKitabu.
The competition was open in August and September to upper primary (Class 5-8) pupils and all secondary school students. A total of 718 essays – 381 from primary schools and 337 from secondary schools – were received.
