President Uhuru Kenyatta presided over the launch of Computer Coding, a subject set for countrywide rollout in primary and secondary Schools.
Speaking during the event at State House, Nairobi on August 5, President Kenyatta commended the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development for approving and rolling out coding as a critical skill within the new Competency Based Curriculum.
“I applaud the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development for leading our nation to this landmark achievement, by implementing coding as a critical skill within our new Competency Based Curriculum,” President Kenyatta stated.
The Head of State also lauded Kenya's progress in Education stating that Kenya is the first country to roll out Computer Coding in Africa within its education system.
“Today, Kenya becomes the first country in Africa to approve coding as a subject of study within the official curricula for primary and secondary schools,”
Computer Coding is part of the Kenya 2020-2030 National Digital Masterplan, built around four pillars, digital infrastructure and development, digital skills and innovation, digital service and management, enterprise and digital management
At the same time, the President inaugurated the Kenya National Digital Master Plan which runs from this year to 2032 and the National Cyber-security Strategy 2022 which provides strategic interventions in addressing national cyber-security challenges and threats.
Kenyatta expressed optimism that the national digital master plan will cement the country’s leadership in ICT by creating an enabling policy, legal and regulatory environment for the greater adoption of e-governance as well as fostering the setup and growth of ICT-related businesses
“This, no doubt, will enhance employment creation, enable and scale up ICT innovation, and the development of a dynamic and robust ICT sector that will enhance the growth of all sectors of our economy. The master plan also guides investors while planning their investment priorities,” President Kenyatta said.
The outgoing Head of State also expressed satisfaction that his administration has made great strides in digitization and embedding ICT across every aspect of public life. He referenced how the revolution in the delivery of Government services through the globally acclaimed “Huduma Centres” as one of the achievements of the country’s digitization program.
Cabinet Secretaries Joe Mucheru (ICT) and Prof. George Magoha (Education) were among the senior government officials who attended the event.
CS Mucheru noted that after the launch of the coding curriculum barely two months ago, the private sector swiftly took it up and more than 317 private schools are already teaching Coding.
The adoption of coding in Kenyan schools comes when the Ministry of Education is phasing out the 8-4-4 system that has been in existence for more than three decades.
Grade 6 learners who pioneered the CBC curriculum will transition to junior high school in January 2023, with the government racing against time to put the right infrastructure in place, including enough classes.
