COVID – 19: Educational Setbacks, Lessons Learned and Way Forward for Kenya

Abstract

The COVID – 19 pandemic and its effects on education is a new phenomenon to all on a global level. In Kenya, the situation in schools is not only challenging but has exposed huge gaps in school funding, teachers’ roles, involvement of parents, and a huge percentage of learners’ inability to take part in remote learning. This paper explored myriad of educational setbacks experienced by schools and some activities that stakeholders are engaging in to alleviate the challenges. It also highlights some of the lessons learnt including huge funding gaps in schools, changing roles of the teacher, the need to increase parental involvement in the education of their children, and the fact that the “one size fits all” type of education does not apply in schools anymore. Lastly, the paper looked at the workable ways and means for some schools during COVID - 19. The study employed a critical review of existing relevant literature to capture information. The collected information was systematically synthesized and thematically discussed. While many schools have worked hard to make technology available for their teachers and learners, they also recognize that technology alone is not sufficient for effective remote learning and teaching during COVID19.