Survey: 94.7% of Schools Connected to Power, 35.3% With Active Internet Connections.
The integration of Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT) in education is vital for creating an inclusive and effective learning environment.
In light of this, the Elimu Yetu Coalition conducted a survey in ten counties across Kenya to assess the state of school digital ecosystems, revealing key findings on power connectivity, internet access, and ICT infrastructure in public primary schools.
The survey, titled Understanding School Digital Ecosystem in 10 Counties in Kenya, was a collaborative effort under the GIZ Generation Digital project.
It targeted 1,000 public primary schools, with 100 schools selected from each of the ten counties: Nyandarua, Makueni, Kitui, Mandera, Busia, Trans Nzoia, Kericho, Kisii, Nyamira, and Taita Taveta.
The primary goal was to evaluate ICT readiness in these schools, focusing on power connectivity, internet availability, device distribution, and teacher preparedness.
Findings on Power Connectivity
The survey revealed that 94.7% of the sampled schools (947 out of 1,000) were connected to power. Power connectivity was categorized as follows:
- National Grid: 88.7% of schools (887) had direct connections.
- Alternative Sources: 6.1% of schools (61) relied on solar panels or generators.
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However, challenges emerged regarding power reliability and affordability, with stability at 73.6% and affordability at 78.5%. These gaps necessitate further interventions to ensure uninterrupted and cost-effective power supply for ICT integration.
“Using a framework of power connectivity to the national grid or using alternative sources of power such as solar and generators, 887 schools (88.7 per cent) and 61 schools (6.1 per cent) were connected to power, respectively,” said Wasikhongo.
Internet Connectivity and Device Availability
Internet access was found to be limited, with only 35.3% (353 schools) having active connections. Another 50.2% relied on alternative methods to access the internet, while 12.5% of schools had no internet access at all.
Device distribution showed encouraging results:
- Government-Supplied Devices: 90% of schools (900) had devices provided by the government.
- Secure Storage: 88.7% of schools had designated storage cabinets for these devices.
Recommendations for ICT Advancement
To address existing gaps and enhance ICT integration, the survey report proposed the following measures:
- Power Improvements:
- Connect all public primary schools and classrooms to stable power sources.
- Install alternative backup sources, such as solar power, with regular maintenance.
- Internet Connectivity:
- Ensure internet access in all schools by installing boosters, Wi-Fi, and routers.
- Improve stability and speed to support digital learning effectively.
- Teacher Training:
- Conduct extensive ICT and digital skills training for teachers.
- Aim for a 100% transition rate in enabling teachers to incorporate ICT into their teaching methodologies.
Bridging the Digital Divide
Elimu Yetu Coalition’s National Coordinator, Joseph Wasikhongo, emphasized that understanding the digital ecosystem in schools is crucial for closing the education gap and fostering equitable learning opportunities.
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While power connectivity has reached commendable levels, addressing challenges like power stability, internet access, and teacher training will significantly enhance ICT integration in education.
The findings underscore the importance of leveraging digital tools to improve learning outcomes, not only in the surveyed counties but across Kenya, to bridge the digital divide and create a future-ready education system.
Survey: 94.7% of Schools Connected to Power, 35.3% With Active Internet Connections.
