23,000 public primary schools will benefit from the government plan to spend sh1.5 billion to construct computer laboratories to boost digital education.

Appearing before the Parliamentary Education Committee, Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang said the project will be used by pupils in grade to six. Dr. Kipsang, however, said the first 8,000 public primary schools will have additional favors of having their laboratories being renovated at a cost of Sh800 million.

The PS had a difficult time explaining why the government had failed to honor their laptop promise and why they are now opting for computer laboratories.

A report by the ministry of education on the laptop project shows that the supply and installation of the gadgets in schools stands at approximately 95 percent. However, only five percent of the equipment have been utilized.

The report found out that the majority of the laptops purchased for schools were not in use, several years after the project was launched.

Dr. Kipsang, however, defended the project saying it is currently in its second phase which focuses on general access by all learners. According to Kipsang, phase one was complete, which include the delivery of the gadgets, connecting electricity to schools and establishing assembly plants.