Diani, Kenya – May 2025 – Kenya's digital transformation agenda gained momentum in May 2025 with the launch of the National Digital Literacy Skills Curriculum at the Connected Africa Summit 2025. The initiative, unveiled by Cabinet Secretary Hon. William Kabogo Gitau, aims to empower 20 million citizens digitally by 2032 through a four-tiered skills development framework.

Bridging the Digital Divide

The curriculum, developed through a partnership between KICTANet, ACWICT, and the British Council, builds on the successful Strengthening Digital Communities Project, which has already reached 600,000 Kenyans in underserved counties such as Mandera and Busia. Its practical approach focuses on real-world applications, from using mobile wallets to leveraging social media for business growth.

Schools as Implementation Hubs

Since schools are the critical adoption centers, education stakeholders should explore integrated tech solutions. Platforms like Learnademy are good key enablers, offering:

1. Digital classroom tools aligned with the competency-based curriculum
2. Parent-teacher communication channels for low-connectivity areas
3. Automated administrative functions to free up teaching time

Digital literacy in Kenya isn’t just about knowing how to use a computer; it's also about understanding the broader implications of technology. It’s about ensuring that a small trader in Busia County can compare maize prices online, a student in Turkana County can access e-learning materials without having to walk 10km to the nearest cybercafé, and a teacher in Vihiga County can manage an overcrowded classroom with digital tools that lighten the load.

The new curriculum is structured into four levels: Foundation, Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. Schools should implement practical systems to facilitate seamless digital adoption.

Addressing Implementation Challenges

Schools can face challenges in device access, teacher training, and electricity reliability. Learnademy's capabilities and SMS-based features demonstrate how edtech solutions are adapting to Kenya's infrastructure realities. "Our finance module alone has helped several schools transition from paper receipts to digital payments," shared Learnademy's Head of Implementation.

How Learnademy Fits Into Kenya’s Digital Literacy Journey

At Learnademy, we’ve seen firsthand how the right digital tools can transform a school. Our platform isn’t just another learning management system—it’s a comprehensive solution addressing the real challenges Kenyan educators face every day.

In a country where teacher-to-student ratios can reach 1:50, digital tools shouldn’t add more work—they should simplify it. With features like automated attendance, digital assignment tracking, and seamless parent-teacher communication, schools can focus less on paperwork and more on actual learning.

The Curriculum Manager aligns well with Kenya’s Competency-Based Education (CBE). Teachers can upload, distribute, and assess digital content without requiring advanced technical skills. It is a crucial step in making digital skills accessible to all.

A Collaborative Future

As counties begin to localize the curriculum, partnerships among government, schools, and technology providers will determine success. "Digital literacy in Kenya must be a collective effort," emphasized the British High Commissioner during the summit's closing remarks. “When schools, innovators, and communities work together, we see real transformation.”

The Road Ahead: A Call to Action for Kenya’s Educators

It is an important step for the launch of the National Digital Literacy Skills Curriculum. Implementation is the next hurdle. Will there be digital empowerment across the country to rural schools?

The answer depends on the choices we make today. Schools must embrace school management systems that are flexible, affordable, and tailored to Kenya’s unique challenges. Teachers need training that goes beyond theory, focusing on practical digital skills they can immediately apply. Policymakers must continue investing in infrastructure, because no amount of innovation can thrive without electricity, devices, and connectivity.

At Learnademy, we’re committed to being part of this journey. But this isn’t just about one platform—it’s about a collective movement. It is a movement where every school leader, educator, and policymaker recognizes that the future of digital literacy in Kenya starts in the classroom.

The Connected Africa Summit set the vision. Now, it’s up to all of us to bring it to life.