On 3rd August 2023, the Open University of Kenya (OUK) was awarded the University charter by President William Ruto.
The OUK is the first virtual university in the country, located in the Konza Technopolis in Machakos.
The Open University of Kenya will operate under the theme “The Innovative University for Inclusive Prosperity.”
Equity Group CEO Dr. James Mwangi was appointed by the president as the first chancellor of the university. In his speech, Mwangi noted that the university will optimize on technology.
The vice chancellor is expected to be appointed by education CS Ezekiel Machogu following recommendations from the university council, which will be headed by the chancellor.
The rest of the administrative structure is expected to be similar to that of conventional universities. The OUK was allocated sh 270 million in the 2022-2023 national budget.
In his speech, the president said that the launch of the institution will enhance public university capacity.
“The university will offer a chance for ordinary Kenyans at the bottom of the pyramid to pursue courses of their choice from anywhere,” he said.
He also added that KUCCPS (Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service) will incorporate the university into its portal to facilitate student enrolment for the academic year starting September.
Courses Offered
As per the publication date of this article, the university has four schools: Science and technology, Education, Economics and Business, and Agriculture.
The Open University of Kenya offers the following courses:
- Bachelor of Data Science
- Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics
- Bachelor of Technology Education
- Bachelor of Business and Entrepreneurship
- Bachelor of Economics and Statistics
- Bachelor of Agri Technology and Food Systems
- Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership and Accountability
- Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Design and Technology
Students will also undertake the following common courses: climate change and sustainability, global citizenship, ethics and social cohesion, psychology, philosophy, and basic research.
To apply for a course, learners will be required to fill out an online form available on the OUK website.
They will be required to provide basic information such as their names, contact information, highest education qualification, and the program they are interested in studying.
According to a report by the Daily Nation, students will be required to have prior learning as one of the admission qualifications at the Open University of Kenya.
This may include short courses in the relevant field, two years work experience in the relevant field, or an in-work training of two years in the relevant field.
After enrollment, learners will be able to access course materials, assignments, and other resources through a virtual learning platform known as the eCampus.
The platform allows students to learn at their own pace and within their own schedule, with assessments offered on demand.
They can interact with instructors and fellow students through video conferences, online discussion forums, and other virtual means.
Students at the Open University of Kenya will be eligible for loans from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).
Tuition fees will vary depending on the course, hinging on the new university funding model.
Apart from the Open University of Kenya, other universities that offer online courses include Africa Nazarene University, Kenya Methodist University, St. Paul’s University, the University of Nairobi, Egerton, and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
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