A programme to boost information technology in schools will be launched by President Kibaki in Isiolo,Nairobi.
The New Partnership for African Development's (Nepad) e-School initiative targets six schools - Mumbi Girls (Central), Maranda High (Nyanza), Chavakali Boys (Western), Menengai High (Rift Valley), Isiolo Girls (Eastern) and Wajir Girls (North Eastern).
Education PS Prof Karega Mutahi said the e-School initiative was the first in Kenya and fourth in the continent after Uganda, Lesotho and Ghana.He disclosed that the government had spent Sh30 million on infrastructure and that a study to establish the cost of the project would be done.
Mutahi also said the government would also monitor and evaluate performance of the six schools. Many teachers had been trained through the government's agreement with Microsoft.
Executive deputy chair of Nepad's e-Africa Commission, Dr Henry Chasia, said the "schools will be provided with the necessary infrastructure and Information and Communication Technology equipment.In addition, they will have appropriately trained teachers and access to appropriate applications and digital content, to ensure that ICTs play a meaningful role in enhancing education and health conditions on the continent."
Mrs Florence Achacha, the principal of Isiolo Girls Secondary, says the school has received 25 computers, monitors and server, a 29-inch TV set connected to DSTV, a projector and screen. It will receive colour printers, scanners, fax machines and community radio station facilities.
Trainers from Kenya's Nepad secretariat has trained eight teachers at the school. The six schools will be connected to 90 others in 16 African countries via satellite.
After one year, the school will open a cyber cafĂ in Murang'a town to serve the community.
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