New Program Launched to Boost EdTech Expansion Across Kenya
The Kenyan government has unveiled the Digital Learning for All initiative, a comprehensive program designed to dramatically accelerate the expansion of educational technology across the country’s education system. Launched by the Ministry of Education in partnership with the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy, the ambitious program aims to establish 5,000 new digital learning centers, train 100,000 teachers in technology integration, and provide digital learning resources to 10 million students over the next five years. This initiative represents one of Africa’s most systematic efforts to leverage technology for educational improvement at national scale.
The program adopts a multi-pronged approach that addresses the key barriers to edtech adoption: infrastructure limitations, teacher preparedness, content availability, and access equity. Key components include the deployment of solar-powered digital classrooms in off-grid areas, the development of a national digital content repository with materials aligned to the competency-based curriculum, and the establishment of regional edtech innovation hubs to support local solution development. We are moving from pilot projects and isolated initiatives to a coordinated national strategy for educational technology, explained Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu during the program’s launch at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development. This program ensures that every Kenyan learner, regardless of their location or background, can benefit from technology-enhanced education.
The initiative has been structured to foster collaboration between government, private sector, and civil society organizations. Technology companies have committed to providing devices at subsidized rates, telecommunications firms are offering special education data packages, and edtech startups are contributing localized content and platforms. A particularly innovative aspect is the EdTech Innovation Challenge, which will provide funding and support for Kenyan entrepreneurs developing solutions to specific educational challenges. This program recognizes that sustainable edtech expansion requires more than just hardware distribution, noted Dr. Jane Muthoni, an educational technology specialist. It creates an ecosystem where infrastructure, content, teacher capacity, and innovation support each other.
The long-term success of the program will depend on sustainable funding, continuous adaptation based on implementation feedback, and strong monitoring and evaluation systems to measure impact on learning outcomes. The government has allocated KSh 50 billion for the program’s first phase and established partnerships with development agencies for additional support. This is not just an education program—it’s an investment in Kenya’s future competitiveness, emphasized CS Machogu. By systematically integrating technology into our education system, we’re developing the digital skills and innovative mindset that will drive Kenya’s economic transformation in the decades ahead. If successfully implemented, this program could establish Kenya as a continental leader in leveraging technology to achieve educational equity and quality at scale.