A recent survey by Chegg.org has revealed that students in Kenya are enthusiastic about incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into their educational pursuits.
Studentsat Moringa Coding School in Nairobi’s Ngong Road.
Photo/Pool
The survey, which polled over 11,000 post-secondary students aged 18-21 years across 15 countries, including 510 students in Kenya, found that nearly two-thirds (63 percent) of Kenyan students have used Generative AI (GenAI) for their college or university studies.
Among the countries examined, Kenya boasts the highest percentage in this regard. Despite Kenyan students recognizing GenAI as a beneficial tool for learning support, they express a desire for further enhancements.
A notable 48 percent of the surveyed individuals advocated for the inclusion of human expertise in generating answers.
Simultaneously, among the 63 percent who claim to have utilized GenAI in their studies, more than a third (39 percent) express concerns about the possibility of receiving inaccurate information.
The survey indicated that an overwhelming majority (94 percent) of surveyed Kenyan students believe their education is effectively preparing them for the job market, surpassing all other countries surveyed. This marks an increase from 80 percent in 2022.
Likewise, 81 percent of Kenyan students express that their degree will be either equally or more valuable in a workplace assisted by AI, ranking third after Canada and Saudi Arabia, both at 79 percent.
The survey underscores the inclination of Kenyan students towards reduced tuition fees, with 84 percent of those surveyed expressing a preference for a shorter duration of their university/college degree if it meant lower costs. This percentage is the highest, tied with Malaysia.
The majority, comprising 78 percent, indicated a preference for increased online learning options if it resulted in reduced tuition fees.
Heather Hatlo Porter, Head of Chegg.org and Chief Communications Officer of Chegg Inc. emphasized the importance of amplifying students’ voices and addressing their concerns. “By doing so, we can gain profound insights into supporting students effectively, especially as we navigate the era of AI. Understanding how to leverage the full potential of this technology will empower students to learn on their terms, fostering a personalized and lifelong learning journey.”
The Global Student Survey highlights worldwide concerns, revealing that students face stress, sleep deprivation, and challenges in forming new friendships. This underscores the urgent requirement for substantial mental health support, enabling learners to maximize their educational experiences and approach the future with confidence.
According to the survey findings, an impressive 89 percent of Kenyan students, taking all factors into account, report feeling happy. This figure is the second-highest, following Indonesia at 90 percent, and reflects an increase from 75 percent in 2022. Additionally, 80 percent of Kenyan respondents express a sense of optimism.
Despite the positive findings, the survey indicated that Kenyan students encounter various mental health challenges, with academic burnout at 41 percent, daily feelings of anxiety at 37 percent, and insufficient sleep at 35 percent. Nevertheless, these figures rank relatively lower compared to other countries surveyed.