An Investigative Study on Quality and Sustainability of Distance Education in Higher Institutions: Experience of Distance Learners in Bachelor of Educational Studies of University of Nairobi. Kenya

Distance Education gained fame as most viable mode of study especially during COVID 19 pandemic era, but concerns have been raised about its ‘quality and sustainability. This mode of study exposes learners to multiply complications that impede their study habits. When distance learners lack effective and predictable learners' support such as HIV/AIDS guidance and counselling to enable them adjust and cope with such issues, they become victims of education system. However, quality and sustainability of distance education in developing countries have not been extensively researched to enhance completion rate. This article addresses that gap by investigating the extent to which HIV/ AIDS guidance and counselling influence study habits of distance learners in the department of educational studies of University of Nairobi. This study engaged quantitative approached in data collection and analysis. The overall correlation coefficient for HIV/AIDS guidance and counselling and study habits of distance learners was found to be 0.501 with a p-value of 0.000 < α=0.05. Therefore, results of the study designated that there is a significant influence of HIV/AIDS guidance and counselling on study habits of distance learners. The study suggest that universities should strengthen digital learners' support services to reduce deviational study habits for quality and sustainability of distance education.