(Ecofin Agency) - On January 8, 2016, Kenya’s government via the Information and Communication Technologies Authorities (ICTA) will proceed to the opening of financial bids for the call of expression of interest launched on September 22, 2015, in the framework of its digital learning program.

Under this project, the government will buy 983,271 laptops for 22,000 primary schools nationwide. The Kenyan newspaper The Nation revealed that a total amount of $166 million (17 billion Shilling) will be injected for its implementation.

According to the ICTA, out of the 25 companies shortlisted, only ten were pre-selected. The companies partnered with local universities to place their bids for the call to tender. The firm which will be picked from this call of expression of interest will provide the first batch of devices, 294 laptops and 23,951 digital cameras for teachers in July 2016. Two other batches should follow in September and November.

The digital learning program was launched in 2013 by the Kenyan government. Benefiting pupils from all public primary schools, it aims to integrate the use of digital technologies in the education of Kenyan youth, as the world rapidly digitalizes. The program has been placed under the ministry of Information and Communication Technologies, and that of Education and Technology.