Government to Launch Coding Pilot Programme in 150 Schools Tomorrow
The government is set to launch a computer coding program curriculum support material on a pilot basis in public primary and secondary schools under the Digital Literacy Programme.
Coding is the process of commands that are intended to make the computer understand a computer user’s intentions.
The lessons shall be presented to learners via an interactive online studio.
The pilot project will include 100 public primary and 50 public secondary schools that have been chosen by the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Authority from all over Kenya.
“ICT Authority and the Ministry of Education have selected the first batch of 150 public schools in which the coding content will be deployed as part of the piloting process before being fully rolled over 22,000 public schools in the country.
“Adding coding to the school curriculum will enhance students’ technological skills and ut them on the scope in the ever-growing world of technology. The real work we want to do is to prepare students for the job market.
“In the next 3 to 5 years, at least 55% per cent of all jobs in Kenya will require digital skills as employers are seeking a productive workforce that is digitally skilled,” said Kodris Africa CEO Mugumo Munene.
The coding program curriculum support material has already been approved by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD).
Concerning the devices that will be used in the exercise, the ICT Authority CEO Kipronoh Ronoh said that the government has already distributed over 1.2 million laptops across the country in support of the Digital Literacy Programme.
Following the ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru’s unveiling of the Kenya National Digital Master Plan 2022-2032, the coding curriculum support material could not have come at a more opportune time.
The Kenya National Digital Master Plan 2022-2032 is a blueprint for leveraging and deepening the contribution of the ICT sector in accelerating socio-economic growth.
Microsoft Africa Development Centre Programme Manager, Student and Education Engagements, Irene Githinji on her part said that coding is a significant subject in the study of computer science and shall help in conquering the digital world.
“Students who learn and understand coding have an advantage and could become full participants rather than spectators in a heavily computerized and digitized world.
“The beauty of understanding how digitization and connectivity works mean that our children will be able to compete for the top job opportunities beyond our boundaries without necessarily travelling there in the world of remote working,” said Irene Githinji.
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