Kenya Approves first Coding Syllabus

The government, through the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), has approved a new syllabus for teaching coding in primary and secondary schools, becoming the first African country to approve such a syllabus.

Coding is the process or activity of writing computer programs.

Kenya’s education system to boost digital literacy

According to the chief executive of KICD Prof Charles Ong’ondo, coding is a practical thinking activity that enables children to imagine, create and solve problems.

“In the past, coding was conceived as a high-level activity yet children can start engaging in early learning levels, the program will involve practical lessons,” Prof Charles Ong’ondo.

The coding classes in Kenya’s syllabus will be offered by Kodris Africa, an online publishing firm that specializes in equipping learners with 21st-century skills such as creative problem solving and algorithmic thinking right from the elementary level.

Kodris Africa CEO Mugumo Munene said coding as a subject of study is in line with the government’s efforts to promote technology use under the digital literacy programme launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2016.

He said the syllabus will put learners on equal footing with those from developed nations.

“In a heavily computerised and digital world, a skill set in computer science has become a necessity,” Mr Munene said.

“When students learn to code they can become producers in this 21st century digital age rather than merely consume what is created by others”, he added.

Kodris plans to offer the syllabus in 48 other countries in the continent.

Digital Literacy – CBC

Digital Literacy is one of the seven competencies under the new Competency Based Curriculum (CBC). It is aimed at equipping learners with skills for the 21^st century

Ten-year national digital master-plan unveiled

Last week, Education Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru unveiled the country’s Ten-Year National Digital Master Plan.

Kenya’s National Digital Master Plan is the blueprint for leveraging and deepening the contribution of the ICT sector to accelerate socio-economic growth.

According to ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs Cabinet Secretary (CS) Joe Mucheru, the plan is expected to guide stakeholders’ response to gaps such as closing the digital divide, unstructured deployment of ICT across the public service and the need to enforce standards in helping the country tackle its various challenges.

“This master plan has incorporated the use of emerging technologies such as block chain, internet of things, artificial intelligence, big data and quantum computing,” said Mucheru, adding the plan will also provide guidance on investment priorities to both local and external investors.

The National Digital Master Plan outlines 19 flagship projects, which the government will focus on to accelerate digital transformation of the country.