Huawei, UNESCO, and Kenyan government partners have successfully completed Phase II of the Kenya DigiSchool Connectivity Project, a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing digital learning across the country. This latest phase has connected 21 schools to high-speed Internet, including six institutions catering to children with special educational needs, significantly improving access to online education.
Advancing Digital Education Through Collaboration
The DigiSchool Connectivity Project aligns with Kenya’s Digital Superhighway Agenda, an ambitious government plan to bring Internet access to all schools nationwide. This initiative is a collaborative effort between Kenya’s Ministry of Education, Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy, Kenya Power (KPLC), UNESCO, and Huawei TECH4ALL, highlighting the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving digital inclusion.
The announcement was made on 14 March at Machakos Primary School for the Deaf, one of the newly connected institutions, during an event officiated by Eng. John Tanui CBS, Principal Secretary for the State Department of ICT and Digital Economy.
Breaking Barriers for Deaf Students Through Connectivity
Addressing the attendees, Eng. John Tanui CBS emphasised the transformational impact of digital access for deaf learners.
“We are at Machakos Primary School for the Deaf to ensure that students gain access to the national fibre network, enhancing their learning experience. Since visual learning is key for the deaf, the package also includes a video conferencing solution to enhance their education experience,” he stated.
He also acknowledged the critical role of private sector partnerships in achieving this milestone, expressing gratitude to Huawei and UNESCO for their commitment to digital inclusion.
Enhancing Teaching and Learning Experiences
One of the standout features of Phase II is the deployment of video conferencing equipment, which enables the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) to provide:
Remote support for school administrators and teachers
Virtual lessons and consultations for students
Specialist assessments and rehabilitation services
This advancement allows experts to support deaf schools from remote locations, improving the overall quality and accessibility of education.
Stephen Zhang, Deputy CEO of Huawei Kenya, highlighted the impact of Internet connectivity in schools: “With these solutions, we are improving the efficiency of education management. Head teachers can now access digital management systems, students can engage with online learning materials, and connectivity is making lessons more interactive and engaging.”
First-Hand Experience of Digital Learning
During the announcement event, attendees observed how students engage with online resources in real-time, demonstrating the tangible benefits of digital education. Online video calls between deaf learners and KISE experts showcased how connectivity enables interactive and specialised learning support, significantly improving access to expert resources.
Louise Haxthausen, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa, reaffirmed UNESCO’s commitment to inclusive education:
UNESCO takes pride in working alongside the Kenyan government, Huawei, and key partners to promote high-quality education and expand lifelong learning opportunities for all. This initiative directly supports Sustainable Development Goal 4 and Kenya’s National Education Sector Strategic Plan.
Huawei’s Commitment to Digital Inclusion
Under its long-term TECH4ALL initiative, Huawei has played a pivotal role in the DigiSchool Connectivity Project since its inception. The company has contributed by:
Conducting technical assessments and solution design
Providing state-of-the-art connectivity equipment
Managing the deployment and implementation process
By leveraging the government’s NOFBI fibre-optic network, Huawei has enabled high-quality, all-optical Wi-Fi connections, ensuring seamless digital learning experiences for students and teachers.
Impact of the DigiSchool Connectivity Project
Phase I of the project connected 13 schools, benefiting over 6,000 students and teachers.
An evaluation of Phase I revealed that:
98% of learners found that the Internet met their educational needs. 84% reported that online learning made education more engaging. 71% said that digital resources helped them understand complex topics more easily.
Phase II expands on this success by connecting 21 additional schools, further bridging the digital divide in Kenya’s education sector.
Looking Ahead
The completion of Phase II marks a significant step forward in Kenya’s journey towards universal school connectivity. The Kenyan government, Huawei, and UNESCO remain committed to expanding this initiative, ensuring that every child, regardless of their abilities or background, has access to quality education through technology.
With digital inclusion at the heart of this initiative, the Kenya DigiSchool Connectivity Project is shaping the future of education one connected school at a time.