Challenges Facing Kenya Distance Learners At Kampala International University.

ABSTRACT.

The main purpose of the study was to find out the challenges facing Kenyan students

studying at Kampala International University. The study sought to fulfill six main

objectives namely; Find out social implication of Kenyan distance learners and their

families; To identify economic challenges facing them; To establish the difficulties they

face during learning sessions; To find out the cultural challenges they face; To establish

difficulties they face during actual learning and solicit for suggestions on how to improve

distance learning at Kampala International University.

The research was guided by research questions, which were relevant to the objectives of

the study. Literature review of the study covered historical background examined Friar's

approach to adult education, Holmberg's Theory of guided didactic conversation and

characteristics and scope of distance education. It also covered the aims of distance

education, role of technology in distance education and the range of technologies.

The data was collected by use of study questionnaires. Based on the findings of the

study, it was revealed that:- The Kampala International University distance education

students have lost many of their old friends while making new ones, Students have had

difficulties in financing their education, Experience cultural challenges like

communication barrier, diet differences and slow services. Findings still revealed that;

Students receive inadequate attention from their lecturers, Exam results are delayed and

they experience congestion during examination which leads to cheating and poor

invigilation.

Drawing from its findings, the study recommended that Kampala International University

provide enough hostels for its students, the lecturers to provide typed handouts, the

library to be well equipped with relevant materials and so should the laboratories.