KICTP launches free ICT training in Sipili

By Bob Aston

The Kenya ICT Training Programme (KICTP) on January 27, 2014 launched a free ICT training programme for communities in Sipili town, Ol-Moran ward in Laikipia County. The event which took place at Ng’arua Maarifa Centre will see community members begin the free ICT classes today at Ng’arua Maarifa Centre for a period of one month.

The programme is sponsored by Wildlife Research and International Expedition (WIRIE) which is a public benefit organization based in Kenya.

Present during the launch included representatives from the Ministry of Education Directorate of Adult Education and Continuing Education (DACE), KICTP, Arid Lands Information Network (ALIN), WIRIE, representative from the office of Sipili Assistant County Commissioner and local area leaders.

Dr. Wambugu launching the ICT training

“The realization of this programme will lay a foundation for embracing ICT in development and implementation of various programmes in the County. This will also foster cooperation with the program partners in ensuring sustainability by developing community learning resource centres as well as e-learning centres within the county,” said Dr. Samuel Wambugu, Director, KICTP.

The Directorate of Adult and Continuing Education has established collaboration with Kenya ICT Training Programme (KICTP) in order to bridge ICT knowledge gaps which is currently a primary need as Kenya strives to be a knowledge based economy.

The objectives of the ICT programme include; To provide opportunity to Laikipia Community to acquire basic ICT skills, improve ICT skills, appreciate role of ICT in development and to provide ICT job creation.

Some of the areas set to be covered during the training include; Introduction to ICT, end user packages (Ms Word, Ms Access , Ms Excel and Ms PowerPoint), information application systems, information security and ICT intergration to e-learning, e-commerce and e-government.

The KICTP is set to provide trainers and computers during the training period. This will be facilitated by WIRIE and other programme partners. On its part ALIN has availed the venue for the training.

“We will strive to provide quality literacy training to public servants drawn from both the national and county government, teachers and tutors and also the general public,” said Dr. Wambugu.

The ICT training will be offered free and it will be open to all community members. The Programme is currently underway in the whole of Laikipia County. Already more than 20,000 Kenyans have been trained.