Turkana County Expands Digital Education Programme to Remote Communities Near Kakuma Refugee Camp
Kakuma, 23 March 2026
Turkana County Government and UNICEF have extended digital literacy training to include Turkana North and West sub-counties, bringing technological education to some of Kenya’s most remote areas. The programme has now trained 102 Early Childhood Development teachers and 29 Ward Education Officers across the county’s 77,000 square kilometres, with the latest phase specifically targeting communities around Kakuma refugee camp. Teachers receive training in modern assessment methods and technology integration to enhance classroom instruction.
Comprehensive Training Reaches Remote Areas
The training programme concluded on 23rd March 2026 in Kakuma, marking the completion of the second phase of county-wide educator development [1]. Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers and Ward Education Officers from Turkana North, Lokichoggio, and Turkana West participated in the intensive sessions, which specifically included those serving refugee communities [1]. This latest round builds upon earlier capacity-building sessions conducted for ECDE teachers in Turkana South, Turkana East, Loima, and Turkana Central, demonstrating a systematic approach to reaching all corners of the vast county [1].
Modern Teaching Methods and Assessment Techniques
Participants received comprehensive training in contemporary teaching approaches aligned with the Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum, with particular emphasis placed on continuous assessment methods [1]. Trainers emphasised that effective assessment enables teachers to develop a comprehensive understanding of learners’ abilities, moving away from traditional examination-focused approaches [1]. The programme also explored pre-primary assessment methods, equipping educators with practical tools to ensure consistency and effectiveness in curriculum delivery across different learning levels [1]. One participant noted the tangible impact, stating: “The training helped sharpen our skills and provided a clear framework to ensure consistency in our teaching methods” [1].
Digital Integration for Future-Ready Education
Digital literacy formed a central pillar of the training programme, with teachers introduced to practical methods for integrating technology into classroom instruction [1]. This technological focus aims to enhance learner engagement whilst preparing pupils for an increasingly digital world, aligning with the core objectives of the CBE curriculum [1]. The digital skills component represents a significant investment in modernising education delivery in areas where technological infrastructure has traditionally been limited [GPT]. Teachers now possess the tools to incorporate digital elements into their daily teaching practices, potentially transforming the learning experience for children in these remote communities [1].
Strategic Impact Across Kenya’s Second-Largest County
The ongoing rollout of teacher training across Turkana County by UNICEF reflects a deliberate strategy to harmonise teaching practices and ensure educators are fully equipped to deliver the CBE curriculum [1]. Turkana County spans 77,000 square kilometres, making it the second-largest county in Kenya and the north-westernmost region, known for its scenic landscapes and rich culture [1]. The programme’s systematic approach addresses the unique challenges of delivering quality education across such vast distances, particularly in areas hosting both local communities and refugee populations. The training initiative strengthens the foundation of learning across the county whilst building long-term educational capacity in one of Kenya’s most geographically challenging regions [1].