Opportunities Presented by an ICT Literate Society through the Integration of ICT in the Non-Formal Education: a Case of Jua Kali Sector in Kenya

Abstract

There are a number of opportunities presented by the ICT integration within the education sector The Jomtein World Conference (1990) on Education For All (EFA) to whose resolutions most African Countries are signatory emphasized on the education for all. The EFA strategies include the establishment of non-formal education units. Strathmore Educational Trust (SET), a Public Charitable Trust incorporated in Kenya, established to promote educational initiatives started the Informal Sector Business Institute (ISBI) in 2004; a Non-formal education initiative to train jua kali artisans ICT and business skills. Since its inception, more than 10,000 people have been trained in various skills.To enhance these benefits presented, this study investigated the spread of ICT in the non-formal education system in Kenya by studying 120 artisans from the same environment, 60 who had undergone ICT training and 60 who had not. Using a Z-test statistic, the study proved that; those who had been trained in ICT and business skills at ISBI were much better in utilization of ICT in running their businesses.

From this study, most artisans gained their trade skills trough apprenticeship where skills in ICT and business are not emphasized. ICT is a key component for people in the informal sector and should be incorporated in all training initiatives meant for the informal sector to enhance productivity.