It is barely a week since the Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu made a key declaration aimed at improving the education standards at Karega Secondary School in Kigumo, Murang’a County. At a prize-giving event, Machogu offered KSh 5 million for laboratory construction and 40 computers to aid in ICT learning. Thousands of other schools countrywide benefit from this wide government initiative aimed at improving facilities and infrastructure.
Government Investment in Education
Budget Allocation Increase
In the current fiscal year, budgetary allocation has increased to KSh658 billion from the KSh628 billion of last year. The upward revision of allocation for the Ministry of Education reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing the educational sector. It shall finance several key areas that include remittance of capitation at all levels of education. There will be an increment in employment numbers to junior secondary schools, along with funding of infrastructure development programs.
Focus on Infrastructure and Teacher Employment
While speaking at the function, Machogu again used the opportunity to reiterate the government’s interest in investing in the youth’s education, citing their great potential, which can be huge in shaping the future. The funds pledged at Karega Secondary School will focus on the construction of a laboratory since the infrastructure is greatly needed to enhance practical science education for the learners. An additional 40 computers will help boost learning of ICTs to ensure that learners are knowledgeable with necessary tech skills.
Local Support and Achievements
Contributions from Local Leaders
The event was presided over by notable local leaders, among them being the Constituency Member of Parliament, Joseph Munyoro, and Senator Joe Nyutu. MP Munyoro reiterated that the NG-CDF has enabled various educational programs. NG-CDF funding has gone towards the maintaining of primary and secondary schools in the area, which have boosted the education record in the district.
Karega Secondary School’s Track Record
Karega Secondary School has excelled academically for the past successive three years. Over 350 students so far have been sent to various universities, others to colleges where they have acquired meaningful skills. This is a sure indication of the commitment to excellence in academics and effectiveness of support the NG-CDF has been giving to the school.
The Importance of ICT in Education
Enhancing Learning with Technology
The donation of 40 computers to Karega Secondary School was a timely step toward incorporating technology in the learning process. It becomes very apparent that ICT literacy is very essential, especially in today’s fast-moving world. Therefore, it is vital to equip students with those skills for easy delivery in their future campaigns. Computers will offer countless opportunities for students to acquire information and other learning resources that could help in developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Supporting Digital Pedagogy
Setting up these new ICT resources will fully open the potential if teachers are adequately equipped through training. As expressed in others’ experiences, for example Maxwell Kayesi and James Mwangi, the training of teachers is genuinely the starting point toward successful implementation of digital learning tools in schools. This can be achieved by ensuring that educators are comfortable and proficient with the use of technology. When educators are comfortable and confident integrating technology effectively into teaching practices, students will have a richer experience in learning.