Cabinet approves implementation of laptop project

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President Uhuru Kenyatta during the swearing-of Principal Secretaries at State House in Nairobi, June 27, 2013. PHOTO/STEPHEN MUDIARI 

By NATION REPORTER AND PPS
Posted  Thursday, June 27  2013 at  22:09

THE Cabinet Thursday evening approved the implementation of the laptop project in three phases despite concerted efforts by the opposition and teachers who want the project suspended.

President Uhuru Kenyatta, who chaired the cabinet meeting, was briefed on the Cabinet Memorandum on the provision of laptops to learners in public primary schools and the progress made towards implementation of the laptop project for Standard One pupils.

The Cabinet also reiterated its willingness to resolve the teachers’ strike that started on Tuesday with the government prevailing upon KNUT and KUPPET to have a negotiated settlement of the issues that triggered the strike action.

Striking teachers were urged to abandon their hardline stand and embrace dialogue and return to school so that normal learning can resume.

The first phase of implementing the project will cost Sh15 billion during the 2013/2014 financial year, contrary to media reports that had indicated it could cost Sh53 billion as reported in some sections of the media.

The benefits of the project, as envisioned by the Kenyatta government, include improving learning in schools and generating job opportunities for the youth through local computer assembling under Public Private Partnerships.

In addition, Sh1.5 million new electrical connections in schools and neighbourhoods will be realized. This will rejuvenate the development of the Jua Kali sector and spur industrial growth in rural and urban areas.

According to a statement to media houses, the Cabinet formed a seven-man committee headed by the Principal Secretary for Education to spearhead the laptop project.

Similarly, the Cabinet also discussed and approved the the Law Society of Kenya Bill 2013 that provides for amendment of the current Act to include changes that will entrench governance and values espoused in the Constitution.

The changes to the Act will also provide for a more robust regulatory framework and introduce international best practices.

The Bill, when it becomes law will facilitate effective and efficient functioning of the society in accordance with Article 10 of the Constitution of Kenya. It will also professionalize the legal practice and enhance the rule of law.

Noting that Kenya is a signatory to the Vienna Convention on the ozone layer, the cabinet ratified the Montreal Protocol on Substances that deplete the ozone layer for since its ratification in 1988, there have been amendments to the Protocol which sought to phase out both the production and consumption of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS).

The cabinet also discussed the Cabinet Memorandum on the mainstreaming of youth and gender issues in Government Ministries, where it was briefed on the measures to be undertaken to mainstream youth and women issues in the development process.

Consequently, the Cabinet approved the establishment of the Nairobi International Financial Centre. The purpose of the centre is to connect Kenya to international financial markets by providing for international banks to operate in Kenya.

It was agreed the centre be set up by December 2013.