KCA University launches student laptop project as classes move online

KCA University has launched Sh50 million student laptop project to improve access to virtual learning for all students.

The long term lease project to students is funded by Co-operative Bank of Kenya in partnership with RentCo Africa Limited.

The project will support students in their virtual engagement mode of study during this Covid-19.

The laptops come with price variations to take care of student need and preferences.

Students will take full ownership of laptops on completion of payment of installments within the period they are students at the university.

KCA Vice Chancellor Noah Midamba said the university is working with the bank to ensure students get the laptops and pay in installments.

“This university has great minds who think outside the box and these laptops will enable our institution to deliver lessons with ease,” he said on Friday during the launch

The VC said, although face to face learning is key for first year students, continuing students might no longer need to attend classes in the near future.

The VC said the university has also partnered with financial institutions to provide subsidised school fees for students under the government sponsorship.

Prof Midamba said KCA has since grown to be the second largest private university in terms of enrollment because of the quality programs it offers.

The DVC for academics affairs Prof Joshua Bagaka’s said the university identified students access to virtual classes is one of the main challenges that needed to be addressed.

“We have been receiving emails from many students who are frustrated that they cannot access our online classes, a laptop and a smart phone has now become one of the highest needs for students,” he said.

Prof Bangaka’s said in the new normal digital divide must be confronted by universities by ensuring that students have the laptops.

“The lease and partnership will enable students to have the basic need of education,” he said

RentCo Africa Limited chief executive said the university is the second to have partnered with the company to supply laptops.

Last year, RentCo Africa partnered with Nazarene University and is supplying laptops to students.

C operative Bank official Jackline Waithaka said students will be given a flexible payment period during their time of study.

“As a bank we are ready to work with universities to ensure students access laptops at an affordable payment schedule,” she said.

So far, the university has fully embraced remote engagement as an alternative to face to face interaction to ensure it’s over 12,000 students complete their studies as planned on time.

The university has negotiated for subsidised internet data bundles for all KCA students with Safaricom and Telkom telcos to facilitate learning through the trimester.

The university since trained its staff and, student and successfully administered exams.