The Ministry of Information Communications, and the Digital Economy, in collaboration with the ICT Authority, has announced mandatory training for teachers across the country.
This initiative is in a bid to align with the Kenya National Digital Master Plan 2022-2032 and enhance digital literacy among citizens.
In a circular seen by The Kenya Times dated 26th March 2024 by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), all teachers, Secretariat Staff, and Grade 8 pupils have been encouraged to register for the program.
“One of the pillars of the Master Plan is to impart and enhance the Digital skills of citizens,” part of the circular read.
“Under this initiative, it is envisioned that over 20 million citizens will be equipped with basic digital skills to enhance their capacity to effectively access and utilize Government e-services.”
As part of this endeavor, the government has developed an ICT curriculum consisting of short courses with a focus on public sector-oriented digital skills.
“The courses will focus on Foundation, Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced digital skills including, public sector focused digital skills,” the circular further read.
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Teachers to be Trained on Basic Digital Skills
Under Phase 1 of the program, approximately five million citizens are projected to undergo training.
The training will be facilitated by a consortium of ICT training organizations comprising both public and private entities, NGOs, and accredited training institutions.
After the training, trainees will gain confidence and competence to engage with digital tools, explore new horizons, and adapt to the ever-evolving digital landscape.
However, participants will be required to self-sponsor their training at a fee of Ksh.2, 500/= (two thousand five hundred shillings only) per person for basic digital skills.
Upon successful completion and assessment by the government, participants will receive a certificate acknowledging their proficiency.
To register for the program, the application can be completed through the provided link: www.smartacademy.go.ke.
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Importance of Training Digital Skills
The attempts to increase the number of trained professionals in digital skills by the government is to meet the required competencies for the digital economy.
Kenyan government also aims to retrain the public sector workforce to ensure they advance their digital skills and competencies; and bridge the digital skills gap in the citizenry.
Kenya has low and intermediate digital skilled experts with few professionals possessing advanced digital skills. High-end ICT skills are essential to facilitate a vibrant digital economy, design and support complex digital Systems as well as spur innovation.
Digital skills constitute the foundation for accessing, adopting, adapting and benefiting from emerging technologies.
