Public school teachers in Nairobi, Kiambu, Nyandarua, Kajiado, Makueni, Laikipia, Embu, Murang’a, Machakos, and Nyeri counties have received critical digital skills training in a partnership driven by respective county governments, Riara University, and Raspberry Pi Foundation.
The collaboration focuses on training 100 public primary and junior school teachers on the Digital Computing Curriculum in line with Kenya’s Competency-Based Education framework in respective counties.
It is also in response to the technical support needed to deliver technical assistance for teachers beyond hardware and Networking technologies that have become more sophisticated and educational applications – and it underscores the need to enable young people to realise their full potential through the power of computing and digital technologies.
According to the Vice Chancellor of Riara University Prof. Robert Gateru said the programme is designed to enhance classroom delivery, improve learner engagement, and prepare schools for the demands of a technology-driven education system.
“Evidence shows that digital learning is more effective when embedded in a clear pedagogical framework supporting teachers. Thus, as computer education is introduced to more learners across a variety of contexts, we are addressing the need to ensure this education is relevant and accessible to all,” Prof. Gateru said.
He noted that the role of the teacher in the classroom is being transformed from that of the font of knowledge to an instructional manager helping to guide students through individualized learning pathways, identifying relevant learning resources, creating collaborative learning opportunities, and providing insight and support both during formal class time and outside of the designated 40-minute instruction period.
“In this teacher capacity building, the assistance our programme provides integrates the use of ICT across the full range of curricular subjects,” explained Gateru.
Kenyan schools have traditionally fully embraced tech powered methods. However, through this initiative, the 10 schools are set to benefit from an effective integration of digital skills in classrooms.
Across all the counties, the phased training combined hands-on practical sessions, curriculum integration strategies, and classroom implementation techniques using Raspberry Pi devices. Teachers were introduced to lesson planning approaches aligned to the Competency-Based Education framework and confidence-building in delivering digital computing content.
