Jubilee Laptops Promise Revived After Schools Close Over Coronavirus

Deputy President William Ruto (left) and President Uhuru Kenyatta enjoy a hearty moment during the BBI launch at the Bomas of Kenya on November 27, 2019.
Deputy President William Ruto (left) and President Uhuru Kenyatta enjoy a hearty moment during the BBI launch at the Bomas of Kenya on November 27, 2019.
PSCU

Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina has taken a swipe at the government after President Uhuru Kenyatta ordered the closure of all learning institutions in the country over the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Taking to social media on Tuesday, March 17, the Narok legislator questioned the Jubilee government's promise of providing laptops to Class One pupils.

Following the closure of learning institutions, and initiatives by others to teach students and pupils from home, Ledama argued that had the promise been delivered on, children would easily learn from home.

Narok Senator Ledama ole Kina during Point Blank Interview with Tony Gachoka on September 11, 2019.
Narok Senator Ledama ole Kina during Point Blank Interview with Tony Gachoka on September 11, 2019.
The Standard

"What happened to Jubilee Class One Laptops State House Kenya? With Coronavirus in Kenya, today would have been a learning day for thousands of Kenyans kids in the comfort of their homes if the Jubilee Administration kept its word!" Ledama argued.

Members of the public however offered different opinions as per the legislator's remarks.

A section of netizens questioned Ledama's role as a legislator, arguing that as a lawmaker, he had the right and opportunity to engage fellow parliamentarians or even the state on the matter.

"Whom do you direct your question specifically wananchi ama to your fellow governance people," Ben Bitok posed to the senator.

"I thought you should be letting Kenyans know if the govt has failed !! You are one among Kenyan legislators, what role have you played in putting the govt to account. Stop posting !!" Kiptulon Felix stated.

"The Senate has never questioned the same, and if they did, it was just for PR. You should be giving us answers, you are part of the government," one Tish Mulevu added.

A section of others was not having it with Ledama, criticising him for playing politics at a time when the country should be in solidarity for the fight against Coronavirus.

A photo of President Uhuru Kenyatta issuing an address at Harambee House on Sunday, March 15, 2020.
President Uhuru Kenyatta issuing an address at Harambee House on Sunday, March 15, 2020.
PSCU

Amid the debate, several others argued that even if the Laptops promise would have been realised, several children would have had theirs, stolen, or worse, the living conditions of some in the country's marginalised areas would have made e-learning difficult.

The lack of electricity and poor internet connectivity in certain areas of the country was floated as a constraint to the idea.

In some institutions, netizens argued that the laptops were present but learners are not allowed to carry them home.

"Very insensitive and an unfair question. Mhesh, so, if the kids are sick, how can they learn? Our mistakes and incompetencies should be forgotten for a moment and deal with Coronavirus and its ripple effect. Be sensitive ledama," Elijah Okemwa pronounced.

"Hon you should not politicize issues of Covid-19 we are all in this.

Let's find a solution to this and assist each other in providing Civic education about this," Kipkemoi Donald critiqued.

"That's very true, but a majority of this kids are disadvantaged in many ways from their background am sure most of the laptops would have been spoilt or stolen already, " Samuel Kakelo Oduor argued.

Amid the debate, netizens took a swipe at the Narok Senator in relation to the Building Bridges Initiatives, and his sentiments during the Narok edition of the BBI consultative rally.

They alleged that the Jubilee government despite its not so perfect record was on track before it was 'derailed' by the BBI. The netizens stated that the government had spent a lot of money on presenting and engaging members of the public on the report.

"That's the fundamental question you could have asked in BBI rallies," Masika Nickson stated.

Following the directive to suspend learning on-campus, institutions are moving to develop online teaching modules to facilitate learning through the period.

Meanwhile, Brookhouse School in Nairobi has already embarked on virtual learning with Form tutors sharing the institution's new timetables and activities. 

"To maintain the continuity of the children’s education and support for all of our students. We have put in place a guided online curriculum and online teaching support for all students which will remain in place during the entirety of the school’s closure,

"Students have been practising for weeks, how to switch to virtual learning should the need occur. We look forward to seeing some interesting home setups and unofficial uniform," a statement by the institution on March 16 read.

This is however yet to be seen from public institutions and several other private schools from around the country, better yet, whether the academic calendar will continue in all schools or await reopening.

A screenshot of Brookhouse School students learning from home through the eLearning platform on Monday, March 16, 2020.
A screenshot of Brookhouse School students learning from home through the eLearning platform on Monday, March 16, 2020.
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