Teachers in Nairobi Demand Better Internet Connectivity in Schools

Teachers across Nairobi’s public schools are calling on the county government and national authorities to significantly improve internet connectivity in classrooms. According to educators, many schools continue to operate with unreliable or no broadband access, hampering the effective use of digital tools, online teaching platforms, and access to educational resources. The demand comes as more schools attempt to integrate digital learning in line with Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
The concerns are backed by recent studies showing that poor ICT infrastructure remains a major barrier to e-learning in Nairobi. A 2024 Strathmore University thesis on e-learning readiness found that many primary schools in the county lack reliable internet, adequate power, and sufficient ICT labs to support teaching. Other research similarly reveals that despite the existence of ICT integration in Nairobi schools, many teachers struggle to put it into practice due to insufficient access to bandwidth and limited administrative support.
Part of the problem is structural. While the Kenya Education Network (KENET) launched a Schools Connectivity Initiative with the Nairobi County Government to connect hundreds of schools via fiber, the implementation has not reached all institutions equitably. Teachers say that even in connected schools, instability and low speeds limit their ability to stream video content, run virtual labs or collaborate online. Without reliable internet, many cannot fully leverage AI-driven tools or interactive e-learning platforms.
In response, educators and unions are demanding concrete actions: expansion of the County-wide fiber-connection programme, regular maintenance of network infrastructure, dedicated data packages for schools, and ICT capacity-building for teachers. Some also urge the Ministry of Education to fast-track its Schoolnet initiative, aimed at connecting all public schools to the internet. Looking ahead, officials say they will prioritize schools in underserved wards for upgrades and promote public–private partnerships to ensure sustainable connectivity. If successful, the push could help bridge the digital divide and truly unlock technology-enhanced learning for Nairobi’s teachers and students.