At least 159 schools in Kenya have been connected to free website domains as part of a partnership between Liquid Telecom and the Kenya Network Information Centre (KeNIC).
The project which was launched in May involves the registration of schools to .sc.ke domains enabling them to make better use of digital tools. The partnership has a target of registering at least 2,000 schools to the domains.
19 different counties have already benefited from the programme including Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Nyamira, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, Homabay, Kakamega, Narok, Busia, Migori, Kisii, Nandi, Bungoma, Kiambu, Siaya, Turkana, Vihiga, and Kilifi.
The programme involves onboarding of school domains on Liquid Telecom’s anycast Domain Name System (DNS) for free, provision of free hosting for basic school websites and training on internet identities and domain security.
KeNIC CEO Mr Joel Karubiu said KeNIC has partnered with Liquid Telecom to connect 2,000 schools to website domains. The designated 2nd Level Domain (SLD) for school domain names in Kenya is .sc, with .ke as the Top Level Domain (TLD).
Joel Karubiu applauded the partnership, remarking that it would catalyze adoption of digital tools in Kenya’s education system. He recognised the new-found prominence of online classes and other digital learning resources since the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis.
“The Pandemic has heightened the need for digital adoption to improve our current education systems. The need for schools to be connected and have an online presence to be able to conduct classes has never been more important than right now.
“We aim to reach at least 2000 schools and register them on a unique identifier.sc.ke. A domain name extension for schools that will give access, enable and empower educators with the relevant digital skills to teach effectively,” he stated.
Ben Roberts, the Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at Liquid Telecom noted that the domains also gave greater digital security compared to personal email accounts.
“Creating domains for the institution within Kenya’s school systems is directly addressing the changing digital landscape of this country. Not only does it set the scene for the new global digital economy, but it also allows for greater security and integration as instructors can use school domain emails instead of personal emails.
“Furthermore, the use of online collaboration tools to effectively instruct learners digitally is necessary. It enables schools with websites that serve as an essential channel to provide information and connect with the community,” he affirmed.
It is expected that with free hosting schools provide educational materials for learners online.
