It’s time to invest in e-learning and teaching as virus disrupts education

Education cabinet secretary Prof.George Magoha (left) and Our Lady of Fatima Secondary School principal Janet Mabango (in Maroon dress) talking to the students on January 20, 2021. [Edward Kiplimo,Standard]

When the pandemic hit Kenyan soil slightly over a year ago, there was to be no shock. After all, for months preceding its arrival, the pandemic had ravaged Asia, Europe and the Americas. As such, it was a truth universally accepted that Covid-19, and its fear-inspiring effects, would soon straddle this landscape like the mythical colossus. In short, the advent of the scourge, therefore, was not surprising.

What has been surprising to many of us is the length and depth of devastation that it has visited upon us. It is not an exaggeration to say that Covid-19 has crippled many spheres of our lives, not least, the enterprise of schooling. While we accept that it was obvious that schools would be forced to close at some point, it would be dishonest to imagine that many expected institutions to remain closed for even half of the time that they have been rendered uninhabitable.