Mathioya residents have urged the government to invest more in digital literacy in day secondary schools to equip learners with skills for employment and self-employment.
They said inadequate computers, internet connectivity and other learning resources were hindering the effective implementation of Competency-Based Education (CBE), particularly in schools in rural communities.
Speaking during a digital literacy and empowerment forum at Gitugi Day Senior Secondary School, philanthropist Kenneth Kabue Kihunyo said early exposure to technology would help young people explore opportunities in the digital economy.
“We want to empower young people while they are still young so that they can engage in the digital space and explore opportunities through AI, talent exposure, digital marketing and other activities supported by internet connectivity,” Kihunyo said.
He said the programme, through the Kihunyo Kibue Foundation, would be extended to all secondary schools in Mathioya and primary schools attached to them, with the aim of giving learners practical digital skills.
Kihunyo said the initiative will address unemployment and keep young people engaged in productive activities, reducing their vulnerability to drug abuse.
The foundation donated laptops and learning materials to Gitugi Day Senior Secondary School and has also supported Karung’e, Kiria-ini and Kiambuthia secondary schools, as well as Gitugi Primary School.
It also distributed avocado seedlings to parents as part of efforts to support household food production and economic empowerment.
He called on the government to allocate more resources towards digital programmes in local schools, saying improved internet access could create new employment opportunities for young people beyond traditional jobs.
“We cannot only target our youth when there are no jobs. We have to create more jobs through the internet and online access,” he said.
Parents said inadequate learning materials often forced families to spend more money to supplement what schools lacked.
Jane Wambui said the government should prioritise provision of learning materials to ease the financial burden on families.
“We ask the government to bring enough learning materials because when they delay, it is us parents who have to pay more,” Wambui said.
She called on more organisations and individuals to partner with schools to provide computers, internet connectivity and other resources to improve access to quality education.
Wambui challenged the government to better support day schools, saying delayed disbursement of capitation has been hampering their operations and disrupting learning activities.
"It's unfortunate that schools have to forego programmes that are vital for learners just because there are no funds. Other times, parents are forced to pay more money from our pockets to support them".
She called on the state to prioritise digital literacy in day schools, saying it will save parents the need to enrol them in computer literacy centres after they complete their education.
Teacher John Mungai who heads the academic department at Gitugi Day Secondary School, said the had previously struggled with inadequate computers despite having a computer laboratory.
He said the donated equipment will benefit Grade 10 learners as the school transitions fully to CBE, where practical learning and interaction with digital devices are expected to play a bigger role.
“With enough computers, learners can now use the computer lab to complete their assignments and conduct research without burdening their parents,” Mungai said.
Mungai said learners needed to leave secondary school with basic digital skills to help them navigate the changing job market, including emerging opportunities created by artificial intelligence.
He said strengthening day schools would also allow learners to access education closer to their homes while reducing the financial burden on parents.
The foundation said it plans to expand the digital literacy initiative to more schools across Mathioya, with the programme targeting both secondary and primary school learners.
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