As part of the Global Education Coalition (GEC), UNESCO and Huawei, in collaboration with the government of Kenya, have provided free internet connectivity to 13 schools in Kenya
The pilot project was launched on 17 December 2021 in Maragima Primary School, Nyeri County, one of the 13 beneficiary schools.
During the launch ceremony, the connection to the Internet was tested by setting up a virtual meeting which enabled participants in the 13 connected schools to interact virtually.
In his remark, Joe Mucheru, cabinet secretary, Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs, emphasised the government's efforts over the previous decade to demonstrate its commitment to improving quality of education through the use of technology by connecting the majority of schools to power and distributing more than 1.1 million digital devices to teachers and students. Furthermore, he applauded the ongoing partnership of UNESCO and Huawei in supporting the GoK to connect schools in a bid to enhance equity, access and quality of learning with the aspiration to leave no one behind (LNOB).
UNESCO regional director for eastern Africa Hubert Gijzen congratulated Huawei and the government for supporting the school connectivity initiative under the ‘Global Education Coalition’ – a broad partnership which today has grown to some 200 members – to accelerate the deployment of remote learning solutions to ensure continuity of education in times of COVID-19 lock downs and beyond.
Huawei Kenya CEO Will Meng stated, “By offering high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the school, we can make a difference in education and, as a result, in the country's future.”
