The Kenya Literature Bureau has released books in digital format into the market, becoming the first local publisher to make such product offering.

The move makes real the possibility of e-learning, with computers being used in schools. It also opens up the possibility of schools undertaking distance learning programmes.

Under the first phase of the project, KLB will publish 10 of its titles in English, Kiswahili, General Science and Social Studies in digital formats to be sold in form of CDs.

Prof Sam Ongeri, the Minister for Education, who presided over the launch event, said the Government had put in place policies geared towards the use of ICT in education for teaching and learning. He challenged book publishers to offer reading materials in soft format in order to reach a larger reading populace.

“With the recent finalisation of the National ICT Policy, my Ministry, in consultation with stakeholders, has developed a comprehensive National ICT Strategy for Education and Training to guide the implementation of ICT initiatives in the sector,” said the minister.

Mrs Eve Obara, the KLB Managing Director, said the CDs, would be sold alongside the book print versions. With the project, she added, KLB planned to ride on the back of the Government’s policy of supplying computers to schools countrywide.