Cloud Based Infrastructure and Security for Sustainable Learning Management Systems in Public Universities in Kenya. A Case of Kibabii University

Learning Management Systems (LMS) have become integral to delivering online education in public universities. However, many institutions face challenges related to system downtime, scalability, infrastructure reliability, and security vulnerabilities, all of which hinder long-term LMS sustainability. This study aimed to develop a Sustainable Learning Management System Framework (SLMSF) for public universities in Kenya by integrating cloud computing infrastructure and robust security mechanisms. The study was guided by four key objectives: To assess the impact of system security threats and vulnerabilities on the sustainability of LMS in public universities in Kenya, to analyze the relationship between onsite LMS performance and its sustainability in public universities, to evaluate the effectiveness of cloud-based LMS platforms in promoting sustainable learning in public universities, to develop a comprehensive framework for a sustainable LMS using cloud computing technologies. A case study research design was adopted with Kibabii University selected as the study site due to its active cloud-based LMS implementation. Data was collected from 289 senior-year students, 11 lecturers, and 10 ICT officers using structured questionnaires. 10% of the target population form the sample size, ensuring representativeness from a target population of final-year students who are the most experienced in LMS use and lecturers who teach using LMS. ICT officers were purposively sampled given their direct engagement with system administration on the LMS. The instruments were validated through a pilot study and their reliability confirmed with a Cronbach’s alpha score of 0.86. Data analysis involved both descriptive and inferential statistical methods, including principal component analysis, ordinal regression, and factor rotation. The finding revealed that LMS sustainability in Kenyan public universities is threatened by security vulnerabilities, with 54.1% of users experiencing unauthorized access and only 24.9% using multi-factor authentication. Weak onsite infrastructure, characterized by downtimes and poor scalability, further disrupts learning. In contrast, cloud-based LMS platforms demonstrated strong user satisfaction and system reliability, explaining over 67% of performance variance. The SLMSF framework developed using constructivist and grounded theory, and validated by experts with a 4.438 mean score integrates three core constructs: Security and Trust (0.306), Infrastructure Stability (0.326), and Cloud Efficiency and Satisfaction (0.368). Conclusively, sustainable LMS adoption requires secure, scalable, and cloud-enhanced solutions. The study recommends that universities need to implement comprehensive LMS security policies, upgrade infrastructure, migrate to cloud platforms, and institutionalize the SLMSF framework. This study offers a holistic, data-driven guide to transforming learning systems and advancing inclusive digital education across Kenya’s higher learning institutions.