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Project to provide free internet for 240 city schools


A total of 240 schools in Nairobi will be connected to free internet in a pilot project to connect schools across the country to the internet.

The project, dubbed WazED, is a partnership between the Nairobi county government and internet firm Wananchi group. It is aimed at fast tracking e-learning in schools.

Under the partnership, Wananchi group will provide schools with connection to the fibre optic cable for free internet, while the county government will provide the infrastructure needed.

The pilot project will be rolled out this week at a cost of Sh145 million. The entire project will cost Sh1.2 billion.

Speaking during the launch of the pilot project on Tuesday at Moi Nairobi girls school, Wananchi Group non-executive chairman Richard Bell said the project will be expanded to 2, 000 other schools in the county after the pilot phase is complete.

Nairobi deputy governor Jonathan Mweke assured that the county government will fulfill its obligations of developing  infrastructure in public schools.

“In the next two months, there shall be a draft to include infrastructure in this year’s budget so as to ensure the free internet benefits students in the county,” said Mweke.

Nairobi County Secretary for Education Christopher Khaemba said the project will improve the quality of education in the county.

“There is need for teachers to be empowered so that the sector can take full advantage of the benefits of the project and ensure our students are able to research online,” said Mr Khaemba.

He added that technology will bridge the gap between slum schools and those in well endowed environments.