Kenya introduces first coding syllabus for kids

Kenya will be the first country on the African continent to implement the curriculum.

Kodris Africa, an online publishing company that specializes in equipping learners with 21st-century skills, will offer the syllabus after it was granted the approval by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development.

Prof Charles Ong'ondo, KICD's chief executive, stated that the curriculum will include practical lessons that will allow children to improve their problem-solving skills.

"In the past, coding was conceived as a high-level activity yet children can start engaging in early learning levels," said Prof Ong'ondo on Tuesday in a statement seen by the Standard.

Kodris stated that in order to roll out the curriculum, they will seek synergy with other partners.

They went on to say that the syllabus will put students on an equal footing with students in developed countries.

"We are talking to telcos, banks and other partners for the rollout," said Kodris Africa CEO Mugumo Munene.

"When students learn to code they can become producers in this 21st century digital age rather than merely consume what is created by others."

Mr Munene also stated that the introduction of the syllabus is in line with the government's efforts to promote technology use through President Uhuru Kenyatta's digital literacy program, which he launched in 2016.

Kodris is offering the syllabus in other 48 nations across the continent.

The curriculum has an easy-to-use interface and can be taught by any schoolteacher. It will cover both primary and secondary school.