Teacher guiding learners/ Photo Courtesy

Parents from Tachasis village in Subukia in Nakuru County have raised concerns over the lack of internet connectivity in the area, saying it is severely hindering learning under the Competency-Based Education (CBE).

Led by Wilfrida Chebet, the parents lamented that the digital gap is affecting their children’s ability to complete assignments and access online learning materials, a key component of CBC.

“We are forced to spend a lot of money buying data bundles every day so that our children can keep up with their schoolwork,” said  Chebet, speaking during a community meeting. “We have raised this issue before, but nothing has been done. It’s frustrating and a waste of time.”

Chebet called on the Ministry of ICT and other relevant government departments to intervene, saying internet connectivity has become a basic necessity in the current education system.

Joyce Maina, another concerned parent, echoed the sentiments, highlighting the economic strain placed on already struggling families.

“Most of us are barely able to put food on the table. Now we have to dig deeper into our pockets to buy bundles for school assignments. It’s unsustainable,” she said.

Under Kenya’s CBC system, internet access plays a crucial role in supporting interactive and learner-centered teaching methods. Learners are expected to conduct research, engage in group projects, and access online educational content — all of which require stable internet access.

Parents in the region now want the government to prioritize digital infrastructure in rural areas to ensure equality in access to quality education.

“If CBC is truly the future of learning, then all learners — whether in urban or remote villages — must be equally equipped to benefit from it,” said Chebet.

As the country continues to embrace digital learning, stakeholders warn that without proper infrastructure in place, the education gap between rural and urban areas will only continue to widen.