Coding is the new big thing in schools now. It is taught at lower levels in other parts of the world, and it appears like Kenya is headed in that direction.
To this end, we have learned that Kenyan children will now have the opportunity to take part in coding and computer programming classes as the development skills become valuable in many industries.
This is after the government released coding teaching content in collaboration with Kodris Africa, an education technology firm.
According to a statement from the launch, the new content that will be implemented across the country in primary and secondary schools under the Kenya National Digital Master plan 2022-2032 will be applied in conjunction with the Ministry of Education and the ICT Authority through the Digital Literacy Programme (DLP).
The new coding syllabus by Kodris Africa was approved by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) on April 19.
At the unveiling event, ICT CS Joe Mucheru also announced a new government-driven digital skills training aimed at equipping 20 million Kenyans with relevant digital skills to enable citizens to operate effectively under the digital economy.
The launch event was also graced by: Director of Criminal Investigations George Kinoti, KICD CEO Prof Charles Ong’ondo, Kodris Africa Chairman Mr. Mwanki Munuhe, Stanbic Bank Chief Executive Officer, Charles Mudiwa, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Deputy Commissioner, Technology, Innovation and Delivery, Wemmic Mutinda and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) ICT director Charles Gichira.
Mucheru adds that the government has distributed more than 1.2 million laptops for learners in public schools in Kenya as well as connected electricity to more than 22,000 schools and the initiative is ongoing to capture all schools as we go digital.
Also, Stanbic has signed partnership agreements with 7 Counties to train people in digital skills. So far, 500 computers have been donated to education centers. Stanbic will contribute 100 computers to Kodris Africa’s initiative.
“This is a great day for the country, especially for our children who will now have the opportunity to learn coding and computer programming at an early age. The world is changing and everyone is going digital and Kenya will not be left behind as the globe goes digital,” said Mucheru.
