A Chinese multinational technology firm could be the supplier of the proposed tablets for class one pupils in public schools.
High-ranking figures at the Lenovo Group, which sells personal computers, tablet computers and smartphones, are in the country for a ‘familiarisation’ tour, a move that has been tied to the imminent business opportunity.
Senior Vice President Gianfranco Lanci says the firm is well positioned to supply the machines across the country, despite huge resistance from the public on the project.
“Education solution is our main growth driver. We have in the past supplied over 130,000 units in India and 150,000 in the United States,” he said. Mr Lanci says the development will create a solid link between pupils and teachers thereby increasing output.
But critics are questioning the haste with which this project is being pushed. They say the project should be put off until the country’s financial position becomes stable.
“Is it in the best interest of children, who do not have the luxury of regular meals to exchange food for a laptop or tablet?” poses Emmanuel Manyasa an Economics lecturer at Kenyatta University.
By MARK KAPCHANGA, The Standard
