Microsoft has entered into a partnership with Dell Technologies and signed an MoU with the Jamii Bora Bank Limited (JBBL) to supply laptops to 30,000 tertiary students across Kenya.
The program is being spearheaded by JBBL’s leasing subsidiary, Jamii Bora Leasing Limited, allowing Dell Technologies supply the laptops through its licensed distributors in Kenya. Microsoft is expected to provide negotiated Windows 10 and Office software packages through its ‘Shape the Future’ program to furnish the students.
The Jamii Bora Bank Group Chief Executive, Sam Kimani said the bank has allocated Ksh. 450 million for the leasing agreement targeting to purchase at least 10,000 devices within the first year. The bank also plans to spend the same amount for the subsequent years. The JBBL’s Edu-Leasing program will ultimately make the students own the devices.
“We are in the final stages of signing up a leading private university for the leasing of laptops under this partnership and are in contact with many other institutions of higher learning that have also shown great interest,” said Kimani.
His counterpart, the Dell Kenya Office Site Lead, Ken Kagota, added, “With the tools at their fingertips, students can choose how to demonstrate what they have learnt beyond a multiple choice test or essay. When integrated into a vision of what learning should be, technology can help educators deliver flexible and on-demand approaches that support individual learning styles and help drive a passion for learning.
We chose to work with JBBL because of its strong foundation in promoting social change through affordable grass-root finance and agility in product development and innovation.”
Microsoft Kenya Country Manager, Kunle Awosika added: “This project underpins our local and regional program for improving access to technology, boosting skills, and igniting African innovation. Youth make up the highest percentage of Kenya’s population, so it is critical to equip them with the skills required to succeed in the workplace or become entrepreneurs.
The ‘Shape the Future’ program that will be available to the students will provide a unique learning experience, and in turn, help address the issue of preparing students for the workplace. We are excited to work with JBBL and other partners in bringing this program to the Kenyan students.”
As per the terms of the MOU, Jamii Bora Leasing Limited will buy the laptops from Dell’s local distributors and pass the possession to learning institutions. In return, the rental payments will be deducted from the student’s tuition fees.