The Open University of Kenya located in the Konza Technopolis in Machakos county will be the first unique virtual learning institution in the country.

President William Ruto chartered the university on August 3, 2023, and appointed Equity Group CEO James Mwangi as its Chancellor. The university’s operating theme is “The Innovative University for Inclusive Prosperity.”

President Ruto declared that OUK will play a crucial role in creating an environment for affordable university education, facilitated through online and distance learning.

It will offer self-study modules, correspondence courses, and technology-enabled tutorials. In his speech about the university, James Mwangi noted that the institution will heavily rely on technology.

He stated that their directive from the president is to ensure the university produces some of the best professionals and innovators Kenya has ever seen.

“The university will offer a chance for ordinary Kenyans at the bottom of the pyramid to pursue courses of their choice from anywhere,” said James Mwangi.

The Open University of Kenya is mandated to offer academic programs in various fields, including Business, Management, Information Technology, Education, Agriculture, Health Sciences, Social Sciences, and Humanities.

“The OUK’s distance and e-learning programs offer flexibility and convenience and the university’s accredited degrees are recognised by employers all over the world,” James Mwangi assured.

In the 2022/2023 financial budget, the institution received Sh. 270 million to cover its operational costs. Its administrative structure is anticipated to mirror that of traditional universities.

Here are some of the highly-ranked courses offered at the Open University of Kenya:

1. Bachelor of Data Science
2. Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics
3. Bachelor of Technology Education
4. Bachelor of Business and Entrepreneurship
5. Bachelor of Economics and Statistics
6. Bachelor of Agri Technology and Food Systems
7. Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership and Accountability
8. Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Design and Technology.

Every student enrolled to the university will have to take the following common courses:

• Climate Change and Sustainability
• Global citizenship
• Ethics
• Social cohesion
• Psychology
• Philosophy
• Basic Research

According to a report by a local media outlet, prospective students applying to the Open University of Kenya may be required to demonstrate prior learning as part of the admission criteria.

This could include short courses in the field, 2 years of work experience in the relevant field or an in-work training of two years in the field.

Should they meet the requirements, aspiring learners will be required to fill out an online application form on the OUK website.

Upon acceptance, students will have access to all course materials and additional resources via a virtual learning platform called eCampus.

This setup will enable students to learn according to their own pace and schedule, with assessments being available only upon request. Additionally, students at OUK will have access to government educational loans distributed through HELB.

The tuition fees will largely depend on the new university’s funding model.