This archive report was first published on 6 May 2020.
Kenya's Education System Adapts to Covid-19 ¶
As the world grapples with the Covid-19 pandemic, Kenya's education system is undergoing a significant transformation. With over 3 million people infected and 240,000 lives lost globally, the country is embracing online learning as a new normal.
According to Datareportal, Kenya had 22.86 million internet users in January 2020, a 16% increase from 2019. Internet penetration stood at 43% in January 2020, making it an ideal environment for online learning.
Online Learning Takes Root ¶
With the government recommending online learning, institutions are supporting their employees to work from home, and students are turning to online learning platforms. However, few institutions are ready for online learning, prompting economist John Kimani to develop Finstock LMS, a cloud-hosted system supported by Google Cloud.
Kimani, a PhD candidate in Economics and Finance, says Finstock LMS is designed to host thousands of students for online learning and enable institutions to migrate their classes online. The setup and training costs are as low as Ksh39,000 ($390), with small institutions with up to 300 students getting free hosting.
The system captures user data from enrollment to certifications, making it effective in monitoring and implementing online learning. Finstock LMS can also incorporate third-party applications, social media functions, and integrate with school systems used to capture and store students' or teachers' data.
Cost-Efficient Solution ¶
Kimani emphasizes that Finstock LMS is a cost-efficient solution, allowing institutions to avoid costly purchases of servers and maintenance costs. The system can be leased for Ksh50,000 ($500) per month for institutions with 301-500 students, or purchased for Ksh6,000,000 for institutions with financial capability.
With the online revolution taking root in Kenya, institutions need to invest in cost-efficient, cloud-hosted, scalable, and versatile learning management solutions. Finstock LMS is designed to give institutions a strategic edge in the post-Covid-19 era.
