Nairobi — Eleven Form One subjects will from January 2010 be taught in digital format. This will also apply to Mathematics and Science in classes Four and Five till the entire system is transformed.

The Kenya Institute of Education has prepared the new digital formats in readiness for 2010 rollout.

Speaking at the launch in Nairobi on Monday, Basic Education minister Prof Sam Ongeri assured teachers that training would be offered before the materials are sent to over 6,000 secondary and 21,000 primary schools. He said the materials would reduce the level of interaction between teachers and pupils.

The Form One subjects to be taught in the new format include mathematics, Kiswahili, chemistry, history & government, business studies and computer science. Others are English, biology, physics, agriculture and home science.

According to developers, the digital curriculum is meant to make learning more fun. Prof Ongeri, however, admitted that the programmes may affect publishers sector as the budget for the purchase of text books would be slashed.

"But they will not be forced close shop as materials for teaching and learning the digital platform will be needed."

Allaying fears on rural areas where most schools do not have computers or electricity, Prof Ongeri said digital buses each with 20 computers on board had been launched to service the areas. He also said all teachers would be offered interest-free loans to buy laptops.