CC image courtesy of Lubuto Library Project on Flickr
Kenya’s laptops for schools project has been revived by the government’s 2014-2015 budget, which has injected a total of KSh17.4 billion (US$200 million) into e-learning, including free laptops for pupils.
The programme has been mired in controversy and allegations of corruption, with the tender now having been cancelled twice. Indian firm Olive Telecommunications has gone to court to appeal against a ruling by the Public Procurement Administrative Review Board (PPARB) revoking the award of the tender to company, while the tender was previously cancelled following “astronomical” figures being quoted by various bidders.
Treasury cabinet secretary Henry Rotich said in his second budget reading yesterday the money has been allocated for building the capacity of teachers and rolling out computer laboratories for class four to class eight in all schools throughout the whole country.
“Improving quality and making our educational system accessible to all school going children through a comprehensive e-learning program remains a priority to this administration,” said Rotich.
Rotich did not however disclose as to when the money will be disbursed.
