This archive report was first published on 30 September 2021.
Kenya's Communications Authority Unveils Child Online Protection Course for CBC ¶
On September 30, 2021, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) announced plans to incorporate a Child Online Protection course into the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). The move aims to equip learners with online protection skills and make the online space safer for them.
CA acting Director-General, Mercy Wanjua, stated that the authority was working with education stakeholders to make the online space safer for learners. She revealed that the authority was proposing to the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) to incorporate child online protection in the current CBC.
Wanjua emphasized the importance of equipping learners with online protection skills, stating that educators are key in the character development of the child and require necessary skills on online safety. She added that the authority was engaging the teachers' employer on rolling out online protection courses for teachers in the country.
The CA boss further stated that the authority was partnering with the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders to review safety manuals in order to incorporate aspects of child online protection. She also announced that the authority had commenced deliberations with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) in an effort to design and implement a capacity building program for school ICT teachers in Kenya.
At the event, Ministry of Information Communication and Technology Cabinet Secretary, Joe Mucheru, stated that government initiatives would also apply to the learners during their school holidays. He added that the Ministry was collaborating with stakeholders to explore possible ways of deploying technology to facilitate teaching and learning for pupils while at home.
First Lady Margaret Kenyatta was the chief guest at the event.
