Financing Distance Learning in Kenya. A focus on Bachelor of Education (Arts) by distance of the university of Nairobi

      Аннотация: Distance Learning programme enhances equitable access to higher education in Kenya. The Bachelor of Education (Arts) by distance learning was initiated at the University of Nairobi nearly two decades ago to enable teachers upgrade their skills for improved service delivery. Learners in this programme are expected to finance their education from own resources. However, the rising cost of living delays completion of the programme by up to 30%, as resources are diverted to cater for immediate family needs. Data from the School of Continuing and Distance Education (SCDE) and University of Nairobi Enterprises and Services Limited (UNES) for 2006 show that out of a total enrollment of 6,740 learners, only 4,467 (66%) were actively pursuing the course; implying that about 2,273 (33%) were inactive mainly because of financial constraints. The situation is attributed to limited financing programmes at the national level. Although HELB was established to further higher education, limited financial support from the exchequer makes it difficult to provide assistance to learners outside regular academic programmes.

Ключевые слова: Constituency Development Fund, Higher Education Loans Board, Financing Distance Education, Financing Education, Distance Learning Programme