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NAIROBI, Kenya, March 17, 2025 — Huawei, UNESCO, and their government counterparts have officially announced the completion of the Kenya DigiSchool Connectivity Project. This initiative has successfully connected 21 schools to the internet, including 6 schools dedicated to children with special educational needs.
In line with the government’s Digital Superhighway Agenda and its commitment to connecting all Kenyan schools to the internet, the DigiSchool project represents a collaborative effort between Kenya’s Ministry of Education, the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy, Kenya Power (KPLC), UNESCO, and Huawei.
The announcement event, held at Machakos Primary School for the Deaf on March 14, was officially opened by Eng. John Tanui CBS, Principal Secretary for the State Department of ICT and Digital Economy in Kenya. This school is among those for deaf children now connected to the nation’s high-speed fiber broadband network as part of the project’s second phase.
“We are at Machakos Primary School for the Deaf to ensure they are connected to the national fiber network, which will improve their learning and contribute to better educational results. Given the importance of visual access for deaf individuals, the project also includes a video conferencing solution,” stated Eng. John Tanui CBS, Principal Secretary for the State Department of ICT and Digital Economy. “As a government, we appreciate the support from private sector entities in delivering such a transformative program at Machakos Primary School for the Deaf. This is a significant undertaking that necessitates strategic partnerships with organizations like Huawei and UNESCO. We hope to continue transforming lives and livelihoods together as we advance the digital inclusion agenda.”
The video conferencing equipment allows the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) to offer remote assistance to school staff, educators, and students at schools for the deaf, thereby strengthening the schools’ teaching capabilities and widening access to different services.
“With these solutions, connectivity enhances the efficiency of education management. It allows head teachers to access management systems online, improves access to online educational resources like videos, curricula, and experts, and makes classroom learning more engaging, enjoyable, and effective. In schools that address special educational needs, connectivity assists experts in providing remote assessment and rehabilitation services,” said Stephen Zhang, Deputy CEO of Huawei Kenya.
During the announcement, attendees directly observed how students are using the internet in class and the potential advantages of online video calls between students and KISE experts.
“UNESCO is committed to continuing its collaboration with the Kenyan government, Huawei, and all relevant stakeholders to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and to promote lifelong learning opportunities for all, as outlined in Sustainable Development Goal 4 and the goals of the National Education Sector Strategic Plan,” said Louise Haxthausen, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa.
Through its long-term digital inclusion program TECH4ALL, Huawei has supported the DigiSchool Connectivity Project from the beginning of Phase I, handling technical evaluations, solution design, equipment provision, and project oversight. By connecting to the government’s fiber-optic network, Huawei’s quickly deployable all-optical access and FTTR-B solutions provide high-quality, all-optical Wi-Fi connections and a fast network experience for online courses and live video lessons in the participating schools.
Phase 1 of the DigiSchool project connected 13 schools to the internet, benefiting 6,000 students and teachers. An evaluation of Phase I revealed that:
- 98% of students stated that the internet meets their educational requirements.
- 84% indicated that the internet makes learning more stimulating.
- 71% noted that online resources simplify the understanding of complex concepts.
About TECH4ALL
TECH4ALL is Huawei’s long-term initiative and action plan for digital inclusion. Through innovative technologies and partnerships, TECH4ALL aims to enable inclusion and sustainability in the digital world.
Visit the Huawei TECH4ALL website at
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