From Left: George Odenyo, ATC MD, Mary Ondieki Mihango primary school headteacher and Ashish Malhotra Airtel Kenya MD.

Airtel has partnered with American Tower Company (ATC) Kenya to provide internet connectivity to 50 primary schools in Kenya.

The plan, which was unveiled on Tuesday, will begin with a pilot programme at 10 schools.

It will include installing, renovating, and refurbishing ICT labs and classes in schools, as well as offering monthly data bundles, television sets, computers, and other digital gadgets to facilitate internet access.

Airtel Kenya managing director Ashish Malhotra noted that the project is part of a larger the telco’s programme aimed at increasing access to digital learning in schools, with an emphasis on rural areas and hard-to-reach people.

"We think that every child has a fundamental right to a quality education. It is critical to address issues that impede learning opportunities. This is why we encourage collaboration to ensuring that every child has access to basic education, preparing them for a bright future. In addition, we are developing our network throughout Kenya to provide fast and dependable internet to these schools," Malhotra said.

As part of the pilot programme, teachers will be trained on how to use technology in the classroom, ICT clubs will be established with the help of volunteers, and necessary hardware will be provided, among other activities, to create a digital platform for students to improve learning and access to information.

ATC Kenya CEO George Odenyo said that the project is part of the company's mission to create a more connected world.

Odenyo said: "It allows us to demonstrate how we can use ATC Kenya's Digital Communities Programme to improve ICT access and foster partnerships with the communities in which we operate."

He added: ''ATC Kenya collaborates with its partners to ensure that its Digital Communities are established to provide users with connected spaces that use technology for digital equity and literacy, as well as career upskilling, all with the goal of improving the lives of community members."