Introduction

In the wake of coronavirus, a lot of disruptions with ripple effects have been felt. This has been witnessed in the global arena and Kenya is no exemptions. The socio-economic aspect has been greatly impacted with an outcry being seen on large institutions and small enterprises alike. As such, there has been a dire need to revolutionized strategies in a bid to mitigate the sheer effects of the pandemic.

Online training has been stirred by the wake of the crisis with many businesses and organizations drawing on this as the last straw. Indeed, such enterprises have shifted the way their business models with the digital space being seen as a silver lining. With a need to attend to the call to action, it is no doubt then that online training has become a valuable asset.

 Adaptation of online training by government agencies

To point out the obvious, there is no institution that has remained immune to the pandemic. Government institutions in Kenya despite having rigid policies on which they adhere to have adapted to online training courses.

The Kenya National Police Service has reeled its wheels by recently introducing an online training course.    Having been fueled by the European Union and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the National Police Service adapted a rigorous eLearning training. This was launched on 29^th July as a framework to help address challenges felt in the wake of the crisis.

The training has been enforced as mandatory with seven eLearning modules that bolster relevant information and empowered the service professionally. Online training has been adapted as a major strategy that has enabled the critical department to combat challenges in a rapid manner.

Online training embraced in learning institutions

With changes in the Education system being felt largely in Kenya, a quick adaptation of digital transformation has been adapted. The COVID-19 pandemic saw schools in Kenya being closed in mid-March and after much speculation, the reopening of schools is set up for January next year. That said, education seems to be at a standstill with many students and teachers in despair.

To help steer forward learning, many high learning institutions have come up with online training platforms. With internet connectivity and a computer or a smartphone, this has been made possible. The new adaptations have presented themselves as an opportunity with many institutions looking at the online platforms as an adept measure that will still be used even after schools reopen.

Further, online training in schools is undefeated in terms of safety concerns, Not only do students get to interact with each other and with their teachers but they are able to do so without fear of infection. Necessary adjustments for remote learning in Kenya have seen to it that learning continues. An incorporation of online training in the institutions’ policies will see to it that there are meaningful learning experiences.

The adaptation of online training has been greatly applauded by companies such as Airtel that offer free internet access to enhance the continuation of studies.  This has also been seen by Longhorn publishers who have presently opened free portals to enable learners who are quarantined to progress. To enable students to positively engage with technology, the move by the companies has helped many Kenyans deal with the pandemic.

The relevance of online training for international students

Triggered by the lockdown and the infections that have catapulted in many areas of the world, the relevance of online training has hiked. To enhance their learning experiences in foreign countries, students and their lecturers have taken to educational platforms and embraced distance learning programs.

Even though education has been majorly disrupted, it does not have to come to a complete halt. Remote learning has become a reality in Kenya for a sector that can be termed to be in disarray. In a bid to thrive in uncertain times, international students and educational institutions have borrowed online training heavily.  The silver lining in this is that its operation can still progress in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Businesses response to coronavirus

The pandemic has stretched its cruel terms not only to learning institutions but it has also transformed the manner in which businesses carry out their routines.  For a matter of fact, many corporations have set out meetings in the form of zoom meetings and webinars. To minimize interactions, these meetings have become fully-fledged with online training being seen as a predisposition of learning. For members of a team, engaging in the online platforms has equipped them with many skills necessary for work.

Businesses that deal with the provision of internet services have quickly adapted. In Kenya, high altitude balloons have begun delivery of internet over a large radius of up to 31,000 square miles. This is all in a bid to enhance online training.

Temporary closures of training centers have remodelled training for businesses. Rather than the brick and mortar setups for planned classrooms to facilitate training or businesses, virtual learning methods have been embraced. Adoption of virtual training by training institutions have revitalized the way in which businesses conduct training with safety precautions being upheld.

Online Training a Necessity for Kenyan Farmers

The annual farmers training is an event that many farmers look forward to. However, due to the COVID-19 restrictions, such a huge gathering for thousands of farmers is impossible.  The organizers for the training which is sorely needed by the farmers have instead opted to carry out virtual training. This is by means of social media platforms and other media channels.

The adaptation of online training will see to it that farmers learn new farming technology. Seed manufacturing companies will exhibit their new modes of farming. Fortunately, online training will enable farmers to boost their output as the training can still be conducted smoothly.

Conclusion

Online training in the wake of the pandemic is sorely needed; the move to digital transformation is a necessary means to an end.  To take full advantage of the online training, institutions, individuals and businesses need to reevaluate their approaches.

The government has echoed sentiments on online training and addressing the relevance of such is the only way forward.  There are a lot of benefits to be reaped such as safety precautions being upheld, low costs and accessibility from far and wide. Online training will indeed help many Kenyans weather the pandemic storm.