The struggling laptop project in Kenya has now received additionally funding of Ksh. 17bn from the Kenyan budget whose fiscal year is from June 2014-June2015.
The money will also cater for building capacity of teachers and rolling out computer laboratory for class 4 to class 8 in all schools throughout the whole country.
“Improving quality and making our educational system accessible to all school going children through a comprehensive e-learning program remains a priority to this Administration,” said Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich while reading the budget in parliament.
This was his second budget reading since the current Jubilee government came to power and he added that the money given will be an addition to the Ksh. 320 milllion that had been provided for the purchase of computers.
Meanwhile, the government has also made provisions for other ICT programs that will make its operations more efficient and seal loopholes for loss of revenue.
Among them is the creation of a e-procurement that will leverage on the use of Procure-to-Pay module of the Integrated Financial Management System (IIFMIIS). There was also the implementation of the Digital Government Payment Gateway to efficiently link Government payments and service delivery. Additionally, it will help in sealing existing loopholes, bring in more money and make it easier for Kenyans to pay for any services delivered.
“Henceforth, all government procurement will be done electronically,, and the days of inflated prices will be a thing of the past. To entrench accountability, a new Procurement law will shortly be submitted to this House,” said Rotich.
Rotich also revealed that they will implement ICT programs so as to enhance tax compliance and they have also made provisions for an e-registry that will make it simpler for small businesses acquire and pay for licenses.
