Teaching CBE Smarter: Smart TVs vs Projectors for ICT Integration in Competency-Based Classrooms —What Works Best?

Smart TV for ICT Integration in CBE Classrooms

ICT integration is central to Kenya’s Competency-Based Education (CBE), enhancing learner engagement and skill development. 

Minimum Setup for ICT Integration in CBE 

To achieve effective ICT integration, a classroom should ideally have the following:

      • Smart TV or projector (+ projector screen)

      • Laptop

      • Internet (Wi-Fi)

      • Speakers

      • Screen sharing device

      • Storage devices (e.g., flash disks, external hard drives)

      • TV guard

      • TV wall mount/stand (Double arm 75P – rotating 32–85” TV mount)

      • Extension cable

    This combination forms a functional and reliable ICT teaching system. ICT integration succeeds when devices are:

        • Simple to use – teachers can adopt them easily

        • Reliable – minimal breakdowns

        • Complementary – each device supports the other

      For most schools, prioritizing a Smart TV + Laptop + Internet + basic accessories delivers the highest impact at a manageable cost.

       

      Smart TV for ICT Integration in CBE

      For classrooms with 45–55 students, a Smart TV is the preferred choice because it provides:

          • Clear visibility for all learners, from front to back

          • Minimal disruption from lighting conditions

          • Simple and reliable lesson delivery

          • Better engagement and comprehension

          • Reduced need for additional peripherals

        While projectors are suitable for very large halls, Smart TVs are more practical, efficient, and teacher-friendly for regular classroom teaching.

        Smart TV price range in Kenya

        TV Brand 55 inch (KSh.) 65 inch (KSh.) 75 inch (KSh.)
        LG 55,000 – 75,000 65,000 – 90,000 90,000 – 200,000
        Samsung 54,000 – 75,000 65,000 – 90,000 90,000 – 200,000
        Sony 61,000 – 75,000 65,000 – 90,000 90,000 – 200,000
        Hisense 49,000 – 69,000 61,000 – 89,000 95,000 – 200,000
        Vitron 38,000 – 40,000 57,000 – 60,000 90,000 – 92,000
        Solarmax 36,000 – 37,000  –

        * Prices vary depending on the brand, AC/DC power input, resolution, number and type of ports, and other specifications.

         

        Projector + Projector screen

        Projectors are useful for large halls and occasional presentations, but they have limitations for daily classroom teaching, especially in:

            • Bright classrooms

            • Large classes (40+ students)

            • Schools seeking low-maintenance solutions

          Many schools are now shifting toward Smart TVs and interactive displays for reliable ICT integration.

           

          Projector Price Ranges in Kenya
          Projector Brand Long throw (KSh.) Short throw(KSh.)
          Epson 40,000 – 60,000 58,000 – 100,000
          Sony 48,000 – 65,000 60,000 – 100,000
          Acer 35,000 – 70,000 65,000 – 120,000
          BenQ 35,000 – 65,000 55,000 – 100,000
          ViewSonic 35,000 – 59,000 60,000 – 120,000

          * Prices vary depending on lumens, resolution, number and type of ports, and other specifications.

          Requires a projector screen (price range: KSh. 9,000 – 20,000)

           

          Best Laptop for ICT Integration in CBE

          Laptops are ideal for:

              • Word processing

              • Presentations

              • Web research

              • Online meetings/classes

            Laptop prices vary by brand, specs, and whether the machine is new or refurbished.

            Laptop Price Ranges in Kenya (2026)

            Laptop Brand Budget (KSh.)
            HP 30,000 – 50,000
            Dell 30,000 – 50,000
            Lenovo 30,000 – 50,000
            ASUS 30,000 – 50,000

            *The price varies depending on the storage size, RAM, processor, screen size, touchscreen, etc.

            Most recommended models:

                • HP laptop (HP 840 G7 – G10, Core i7, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD, 14 – 15” Screen size @KSh. 48,000).

                • Lenovo laptop (Lenovo ThinkPad X390 YOGA G8, Core i7, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD, 14 – 15” Screen size @KSh. 44,000).

              Storage Devices/Flash disks/Hard Disk

              For storage of files.

              Flash disk Price Ranges in Kenya (2026)

              Laptop Brand SanDisk (KSh.)
              32GB 550
              64GB 790
              128GB 1200

              *The price varies depending on the storage size, speed, material and version, etc.

               

              TV Guard

              For protection against power surge.

              Brand Price (KSh.)
              Astra 450
              Scanford 950

               
              TV Wall Mount

              Best TV wall mount (Double arm 75P – rotating 32-85 TV mount)

              Type Price (KSh.)
              Fixed 1,000
              Adjustable/rotating 2,500

               

              Conclusion

              For effective ICT integration in CBE classrooms, the following setup is highly recommended for a start:

                  • Smart TV (55 – 65” preferred for classes of 45 students) =@ KSh. 38,000 to 60,000

                  • Flash disk (Sandisk @ KSh. 800 to 1,200)

                  • TV guard @ KSh. 450 – 950

                  • TV wall mount @KSh. 1,000 – 2,500

                  • Laptop @ KSh. 35,000 – 48,000

                  • Basic accessories @ KSh. 1,000 – 2,000

                This setup provides high visibility, reliability, and simplicity, making teaching more engaging and effective, while keeping maintenance and costs manageable.

                 

                Total Estimated Cost

                    • Minimum: 38,000 + 35,000 + 1,600 + 450 + 1,000 + 1,000 = KSh. 77,050  (covers essential ICT setup at the lowest reasonable price).

                    • Maximum: 60,000 + 48,000 + 2,400 + 950 + 2,500 + 2,000 = KSh. 115,850 (provides higher-end devices and more durability/reliability)

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