Digital learning gaps exposed: remote learning during COVID-19 left many Kenyan students behind — analysis of pandemic effects on education

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed significant gaps in Kenya’s higher education system as universities struggled to transition from in-person teaching to online learning. With social distancing rules halting traditional classroom instruction, most institutions found themselves unprepared for remote education, lacking both digital infrastructure and trained faculty. While a handful of universities had existing online platforms, the majority scrambled to adapt, leaving students with inconsistent access to lectures, course materials, and assessments.
Prior to the pandemic, Kenya’s higher education largely relied on face-to-face teaching. Institutions with some online readiness, such as Moi University’s MUSOMI system and Kenyatta University’s Kusoma platform, experienced smoother transitions, though many faculty still lacked the expertise to deliver effective virtual instruction. For other universities, instructors resorted to sending materials via email, WhatsApp, and social media, often resulting in fragmented learning experiences. Practical courses and examinations were particularly affected, with many unable to move online due to the absence of reliable proctoring software and adequate digital tools. Students without access to devices, stable internet, or electricity were disproportionately affected, highlighting deep-seated inequalities within the sector.
Reactions from educators and policymakers have emphasized the need for urgent investment in digital infrastructure and capacity-building. Experts suggest that blended learning—combining online and in-person instruction—could be a long-term solution, ensuring that disruptions like those caused by COVID-19 do not derail academic progress. Faculty and students are increasingly motivated to improve their digital literacy, while universities that successfully navigate this digital transition are expected to attract tech-savvy students and bolster institutional resilience. Looking ahead, Kenya’s higher education system faces the challenge of balancing quality, access, and innovation to prepare for any future disruptions.