The ICT Authority of Kenya today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Microsoft, promising to distribute 1.2 million affordable devices to local primary and secondary schools by 2016.

To support the dissemination of these devices, Microsoft has pledged to train 30,000 teachers in ICT skills through the company's Partners in Learning network over the next five years.

In addition to the education-based initiatives, the MOU sees the partners agree to train 50,000 working professionals in ICT skills, and to bring 10,000 small and medium businesses online over the coming three years.

The ICT Authority said today's MoU forms part of the Kenyan government's strategy to prioritise ICT learning and innovation, with the aim of establishing Kenya as an ICT leader in the region.

"Building local ICT capacity forms an important part of our Kenya Vision 2030 and shift from a labour-based to a middle-income, knowledge economy. The ICT Masterplan also recognises that to be a leader in ICT we need to up the skills of our workforce," said Joseph Tiampati, Principal Secretary of the Kenyan Ministry of ICT.

"By collaborating with Microsoft, we are fast-tracking the development of local ICT skills, empowering working professionals, providing access to broadband and promoting small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya."

"Investing in Africa's skills for both entrepreneurship and employability is key in helping Africans find and create jobs to promote inclusive economic growth and we look forward to working with the Ministry of ICT on this," added Ali Faramawy, Corporate Vice President, at Microsoft Middle East and Africa.

The collaboration will also see Microsoft train over 500 Kenyan government officials in ICT policy, and support the government in implementing ICT solutions throughout their work.

"We are supporting governments in setting the example of adopting technology to advance economic and social development. Governments that embrace solid ICT policies will be at the forefront of economic development and create favourable investment climates," Faramawy said.