Liquid Telecom has successfully connected 152 schools to sc.ke website domains as part of a broader effort to enhance schools abilities to deliver online learning and services across the country in partnership with Kenya Network Information Centre (KeNIC).
“The pandemic has heightened the need for digital adoption to improve our current education systems. The need for schools to be connected and have an online presence to be able to conduct classes has never been more important than right now,” said Mr. Joel Karubiu, CEO – KeNIC.
The programme, launched in May 2020, features schools from across 19 counties including Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, Migori, Homabay, Kakamega, Narok, Busia, Kisii, Nandi, Kiambu, West Pokot, Nyamira, Siaya, Uasin Gishu, Turkana, Vihiga, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Kilifi.
“Through this programme in partnership with Liquid Telecom, we aim to reach at least 2,000 schools and register them on a unique identifier sc.ke. A domain name extension for schools that will give access, enable and empower educators with the relevant digital skills to teach effectively,” Mr. Karubiu continued.
About KeNIC
KeNIC is the registry mandated with the management of Kenya’s Country Code Top Level Domain (CCTLD). Its role is to ensure that Kenya has a unique identifier online, offers reliable and sustainable infrastructure.
“Creating domains for the institution within Kenya’s school systems is directly addressing the changing digital landscape of this country.”
The organisation is also responsible for granting every individual, organisation, and learning institution a gateway to the internet by having a Kenyan domain name. The domain identity designated for schools in Kenya, delivers website domain names that end in .sc.ke
Speaking about the programme, Ben Roberts, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at Liquid Telecom said, “Creating domains for the institution within Kenya’s school systems is directly addressing the changing digital landscape of this country. Not only does it set the scene for the new global digital economy, it allows for greater security and integration as instructors can use school domain emails instead of personal emails.”
Through this programme, Liquid Telecom has empowered schools to have credible online identities and take one more step forward in building Africa’s digital future.
How It Works
The programme provides the selected schools with a platform to onboard domains on Liquid Telecom’s robust anycast Domain Name System (DNS) platform for free. It then administers the domains to get them working, along with free hosting for basic school websites and training about internet identities and domain security.
School domains act as a trusted address book to verify the identity of school websites, teachers’ emails, e-learning platforms, and can even offer school learners with a trusted online identity. Teachers will now have access to official designated school domains instead of personal emails enabling a more secure digital environment.
“The use of online collaboration tools to effectively instruct learners digitally is necessary. It enables schools with websites that serve as an essential channel to provide information and connect with the community,” continued Ben Roberts.
Over the last two years, Liquid Telecom has taken the centre-stage in driving Africa’s digital transformation through launching several initiatives and projects in Kenya and across Africa.
The company has also been the Nairobi Garage innovation partner for a while now, providing all our spaces with fast and reliable internet connectivity.