State to Offer Coding Training to 42000 Teachers
State to Offer Coding Training to 42000 Teachers
In an ambitious government program, President William Ruto has announced plans to educate 42,000 teachers and work with Google to roll out coding instruction across the country. With this calculated action, the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD)-approved coding syllabus will be integrated, giving pupils the tools they need to succeed in the digital economy.
President Ruto emphasized that this partnership with Google, supported by the ministries of Education and ICT, is part of a larger plan to implement a coding program in primary and secondary schools, ultimately reaching four million learners.
Kenya’s education system will see a major breakthrough with the implementation of this comprehensive strategy, which is implemented in phases and positions Kenya as a leader in digital education. The program fits with the government’s objective of a knowledge-based economy, which is in line with the growing demand for qualified coders worldwide.
The introduction of coding at an early age is designed to nurture critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills, preparing students for a broad spectrum of jobs beyond the tech sector.
In Kenyan classrooms, students will learn the Python programming language as part of the coding process, enabling computers to perform various tasks. The initiative extends beyond the classroom, with Google committing to creating a job pipeline for graduates, offering opportunities for remote digital work and global project contributions. The gradual rollout across the country is set to target up to 7,000 schools in the initial phase, with the potential to transform individual lives and elevate Kenya, often referred to as the Silicon Savannah, to a prominent position in the global tech landscape.
In a joint effort with Kodris Africa, the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development made history by being the first curriculum regulator in Africa to approve content for coding. This alliance represents a powerful force striving to transform education, as does the relationship with Safaricom, KCB Group, Cooperative Bank, Kenyatta University, and Mount Kenya University.
Coding and algorithms, identified as essential 21st-century skills, empower children with creative problem-solving and systematic thinking. Educators emphasize that understanding the logic of algorithms goes beyond computer science, becoming crucial in interdisciplinary interactions. President Ruto highlighted his administration’s deliberate steps to build and invest in the creative economy, transforming public service delivery to be more efficient.
The President underlined how crucial it is to start early in order to teach students how to solve problems through coding and better equip them for the demands of the modern labor market. The government’s commitment to integrating technology into the curriculum from elementary school to university level was brought up by him. Shortly after speaking at the Youth Connekt Africa Summit, President Ruto announced intentions to establish digital hubs in each ward to support youth training and links to the global labor market. He also noted the worldwide move towards technology-driven roles.
