The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted various facets of life, not least of all education as schools were closed in Kenya in a bid to stop the spread of the virus.
Learning has shifted to the digital arena, with TV, radio and online classes the order of the day. Many parents have also turned to homeschooling their children to keep them engaged despite the ramifications of the pandemic.
A host of resources are available for parents looking to educate their children at home.
The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) is among institutions providing classes for students at the primary and high school levels, with timetables available to guide parents and students in planning their days.
Various private schools have also unveiled online learning programs as parents look to keep their children engaged at home during the pandemic. In addition, some have opted for private tutors conducting home-schooling. At the same time, other applications are available to facilitate interactive learning on platforms including mobile and web.
Notably, for those with learners in Class 8 and Form 4, the government waived fees charged to candidates for national examinations in primary and secondary schools.
In this article, Kenyans.co.ke delves into the main options for TV, radio and online learning available in Kenya during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD)
KICD has sought to disseminate learning resources through multimedia platforms including TV, radio and online during the pandemic.
Thanks to the timetables which appear later in this article, parents and students can create time for various lessons depending on the subjects they are looking to study.
KICD has also warned parents against the use of educational materials not approved by KICD.
“Learners, parents and teachers are advised to ensure they use KICD approved content to enhance quality curriculum delivery. Use of non-approved education materials is in contravention of Section 27 of the KICD Act of 2013,” a notice from the body reads in part.
Television
Edu Channel TV broadcasts a number of programs centred on various subjects and topics for different classes.
Edu Channel TV is available on the following channels:
DSTV Channel 316
GoTV Channels 804 and 824
Bamba Channel 888
Pang Channel 816
Azam Channel 332
Zuku Channel 029
Startimes Channel 365 on DTT and 310 on DTH.
Radio
In collaboration with the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), KICD also broadcasts some of its learning materials on Radio Taifa as well as the KBC English service.
The frequencies for the English Service are:
95.6 in Nairobi
96.5 in Nakuru
91.5 in Western Kenya
105.1 in Mombasa
93.3 in Malindi
100.7 in Nyeri
KICD also broadcasts the classes on Iftiin FM, 89.9FM in Garissa and Wajir 1305 KHz.
For Radio Taifa, the frequencies are:
92.9 in Nairobi
87.6 in Nyeri
80.4 on Nyambene Central
88.6 in Lodwar
100.5 in Mombasa
89.3 in Lokichogio
675MW in Marsabit
1107MW in Maralal
567MW in Garissa and 1152MW in Wajir.
On Radio Taifa, the educational programs air between 10 a.m and 11 a.m.
KICD Edu Channel TV Timetable for June 2020:
KICD Broadcast Timetable on KBC English Service for June 2020:
KICD Broadcast Timetable on Radio Taifa for June 2020:
Riara Virtual Online Learning
The Riara Group of Schools is among private institutions that have initiated online classes during the Covid-19 period.
Private schools offering online classes are also an option for parents looking at home-schooling.
In May, it opened up its online classes to learners from outside the Riara schools.
For learners undertaking the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC); classes are available for those in kindergarten and grades 1 to 4.
For those in the 8-4-4 curriculum; classes are available for Classes 5 to 8 and Form 1 to 4.
Classes are also available for those undertaking the British National Curriculum (BNC) for Year 1 to 6.
A registration fee of Ksh3,000 is charged for each student applying to the program. Monthly fees also apply and are available upon contacting the school.
MwalimuPLUS
MwalimuPLUS is a popular e-learning application that has registered a lot of new users thanks to the Covid-19 period.
The application describes itself as a tutoring application and is designed for the Kenyan curriculum.
It incorporates various learning materials including questions to solve along with worked-out examples and videos. Learners’ work is reviewed and assignments are given to test their understanding of the subject.
It also promises a personal tutoring experience depending on the learner’s preferred level.
The application operates as a subscription service with parents able to subscribe for as little as Ksh5 a day (as of June 2020).
It caters to learners from Class 1 to 8.
Longhorn
Longhorn, a major publisher, has also introduced its own e-learning solution targeting learners at home in Kenya during the Covid-19 period.
Registration on the e-learning platform is free but to access video lessons and other interactive content, a payment of Ksh50 a day or Ksh300 a week (as of June 2020).
It has a large library of multimedia learning materials for primary and secondary school students in the country.
It includes interactive Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) content as well as progress reports and auto-tested, auto-timed and auto-marked exams.
Other features are detailed notes, quizzes and exam guides in addition to the video lessons.
It is also accessible on multiple platforms including SMS, web and Android.
Notably, the e-learning solution is also available offline making it ideal for learners facing challenges with poor or unstable internet connections.
