Leveraging ICT to Widen Access to Higher Education in Kenya

Abstract

We argue for ICT leverage to curb limiting barriers and aid widening access to higher education in Kenya. Impediments to higher education access in Kenya include affordability, flexibility, institutional limited capacities, lack of opportunities for education mobility and lifelong learning. A qualitative content analysis methodology appreciated Kenya’s robust ICT infrastructure with great potential to tap into ICT based open and distance learning, learner centered E-learning and blended learning as some of the affordable and flexible strategies for widening access to higher education. In particular, ICT greatly enhances flexibility for working population because it fits in their work demands and personal commitments. ICT has huge potential to moderate access barrier to persons living with disabilities and rural dwellers. It is flexible to working class, lifelong learning enthusiasts and mobile learners. Ubiquity, reusability and portability of ICT based learning resources, contribute to affordability, hence contribute to widening access to higher education. Prioritising education using ICT’s, with deliberate and targeted efforts by leaders and decision makers, is key to investing more resources in ICT and developing policies that prioritises widening access to education through ICT’s.