On 16 October 2026, EmpServe held the official launch and project kickoff for Tech on Wheels an innovative mobile learning programme to expand access to coding, computing and STEM education in rural schools. The kickoff took place at the Social Innovation Eco Village (SIEVE) in Kajiado County, bringing together education officials, school representatives, programme partners and community stakeholders to discuss how the initiative can strengthen digital learning in rural communities.
Kenya’s Competency Based Education (CBE) curriculum places emphasis on practical learning, digital literacy, creativity and problem solving, making access to technology an important part of preparing learners for an increasingly digital world. However, the ability to deliver this learning remains uneven, particularly in rural and remote schools where unreliable or unavailable electricity, limited ICT equipment and poor internet connectivity constrain the use of digital learning resources. According to World Bank Open data 25-32% of the Kenyan populationn in rural areas lack direct access to the electricity grid.
For schools in last mile, off grid communities, this creates a gap between the curriculum’s ambitions and the practical learning opportunities available to learners. This is what Empserve Kenya observed while implementing the Code Clubs to schools in Kajiado County leading to the innovative Tech on Wheels program to bring digital learning closer to underserved schools. This project is funded by the Embassy of Portugal In Kenya with support from RaspBerry Pi Foundation.
Addressing the digital learning gap
Tech on Wheels responds to this challenge by bringing mobile, solar supported digital learning, tablets and practical coding and computing sessions directly to underserved schools in Kajiado County. Rather than allowing infrastructure limitations to exclude learners from technology education, the programme aims to strengthen Code Club delivery, support teachers and Digital Champions, and demonstrate a practical model for reaching more rural learners over time.Learners should not miss out on digital education simply because their school lacks electricity, computers or the infrastructure needed for practical learning.
The pilot on Kajiado county aims to support two underserved public schools near SIEVE, helping learners access digital education regardless of the infrastructure challenges their schools face.
At its heart, the programme is about making technology education more inclusive and giving more learners opportunities to develop practical digital skills.
Taking learning on the road
The programme will use the DigiRide mobile learning model, featuring a customised motorbike designed to safely transport digital learning devices to participating schools.
Through tablets, solar supported learning sessions and the Raspberry Pi Foundation’s Code Club resources, the project will support practical coding and computing education aligned with Kenya’s Competency Based Curriculum.
Beyond providing access to devices, Tech on Wheels aims to train and mentor ten teachers, equip two Digital Champions to support mobile outreach, and host STEM holiday bootcamps at SIEVE. These activities are intended to strengthen Code Club delivery, improve ICT learning and build local capacity to support digital education.
A shared commitment to rural education
The kickoff brought together representatives from education, schools and partner organisations, including Ms. Esther Kyalo, Quality Assurance Officer, Ministry of Education, Kajiado County; Mr. Geoffrey Oswala, CSO, Kajiado County; Bishop David Kang’ethe, Director at WorldServe; Ms. Sandra Keeru, Programme Coordinator at Raspberry Pi Foundation Kenya; and Mr. Darius Tipatet, Programmes Coordinator at Helga.
School representatives included Ms. Fridah Miano of Enyornyor Comprehensive School, Mr. Benjamin Moonka, Headteacher of Indoinyio Primary School, and Nancy Lamwenya of Olenarau Comprehensive School. Members of the WorldServe and Helga teams also attended, alongside teachers and learners from Olenarau and Enyornyor Comprehensive Schools.
The discussions reflected unanimous acceptance of the project and recognition of its potential to strengthen Code Club sessions and ICT learning in schools facing infrastructure challenges. EmpServe appreciates the participation of all stakeholders for their support and commitment the around more accessible digital education.
Beyond the Pilot
Tech on Wheels begins with two target schools, but its ambition extends further. The project aims to demonstrate how mobile, off grid digital learning can help address technology access barriers in rural communities.
The pilot will establish the foundations for regular outreach sessions, teacher mentorship and hands on STEM learning. It will also provide an opportunity to document lessons and assess how the model could be adapted and expanded.The launch at SIEVE marks the beginning of this project. The next steps will focus on acquirong more mobile outreach units, onboarding more participating schools and teachers, and expanding beyond Kajiado County.
For EmpServe, this is a practical response to an important challenge in bridging the digital gap.
To partner with us write to partnerships@empserve.org