In 2012, the Government of Kenya foresaw the power that digital technology could play in transforming teaching and learning to increase access to education, to improve learning outcomes and to better prepare young people for the digital world. The Digital Literacy Programme (DLP) was a flagship initiative launched by President Kenyatta in 2013 where he declared, “The laptops will usher in an era of interactive, student-centred teaching that will free teachers to mentor pupils, and perform their core educational roles.”

It has been a monumental undertaking that has required complex multisectoral collaboration, a large investment of public and private resources, and a willingness from the entire education system to shift mindsets and practise. As the country readies itself to enter a new era of leadership, the Government of Kenya wishes to take stock of the Digital Literacy Programme, to celebrate its milestones, and to gain insight into what can be done to accelerate the pace of progress moving forward.

The goal of this research was to hear directly from the implementers of the programme and the learners on the ground of how they experience the DLP every day, and what they believe is needed to accelerate the pace of progress. These insights, combined with the expert opinions of education and technology leaders, were used to form the recommendations within the report and a blueprint to realise the potential of digital learning in Kenya.