By Malachi Motano
The government has urged universities in Kenya to leverage on the exponential growth in ICT sector as part of enhancing Open Distant and E-Learning (ODEL) programmes to give learners maximum online resources and help mitigate against disruptions brought in the education sector by Covid-19 pandemic.
The Principal Secretary (PS) for University Education and Research Ambassador Simon Nabukwesi said local universities had to adapt to the Covid-19 disruptions through innovation. He pointed out that strategic partnership with players in the ICT sector would be crucial in tapping the massive potential that would allow institutions of higher learning to expand the frontiers of Open Distance and Online Learning.
Nabukwesi who was addrressing the 4th graduation ceremony of Taita-Taveta University in Mwatate said: “The challenges posed by Covid-19 imply that universities should be the frontrunners in exploiting technology to enhance online learning for varsity students. Private actors like Huawei are eager to collaborate with institutions of higher learning to increase internet accessibility and bolster other aspects like bandwidth to help varsities offer seamless online courses with minimum ease.”
He was accompanied at the by Prof. Hamadi Boga, Principal Secretary for Crop and Research, who said his department would collaborate with the university to reap the benefits of Smart Climate Agricultural project. He noted that Taita-Taveta County was already engaged in various projects under the Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Project and the same would be extended towards the university.
“These are areas we can partner to help introduce programmes that can enrich the institution and elevate it to higher levels,” said the PS.
Others officials present at the graduation ceremony included Dr. Jeremiah Koshal, chair of the University Council and Prof. Fred Barasa, the Vice Chancellor and Wundanyi MP Danson Mwashako.
Dr. Sally Kosgey the Chancellor lauded the progress made by the university in promoting investment and research in mining of gemstones, oil and gas.
Prof. Barasa noted that the university was keen on entrenching quality of programmes offered at the institution.
He further noted that the university was plagued by perennial water shortages that the government should address. “Water and transport challenges remain an issue that the ministry can intervene and resolve,” he said.
