Open University: Origin, Location, Fees And Courses Offered At Kenya's First Virtual College

• The Open University of Kenya (OUK) was launched in Konza Technopolis on August 3, 2023
• OUK is open to all learners regardless of age, educational background, or location, uses a variety of technologies to deliver its courses
• It is a major step forward in Kenya's efforts to make higher education more accessible and affordable

Machakos - The National Assembly approved establishing the Open University of Kenya on July 6, 2023, as requested by the Cabinet Secretary for Education Ezekiel Machogu.

President William Ruto unveiled the Open University of Kenya (OUK) in Konza Technopolis in Machakos county on Thursday, August 3.

Pioneer virtual institution in Kenya

Establishing this pioneering virtual institution represents a monumental leap towards enhancing the accessibility and affordability of quality education in the nation, aligning with the government's ambitious goal of achieving a 100% transition to university education, as President Ruto had promised in his campaigns.

"The Open University of Kenya sets a unique path to affordable, inclusive and equitable education. This demand-driven education supports the surging demand for quality higher education and promises to churn out qualified and competent graduates who will power our Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda," Ruto said.

Ruto emphasised his administration's commitment to delivering competitive, industry-driven education that complements the government's economic and academic transformation agenda.

The inauguration of the Open University signals a new era in educational accessibility, bridging gaps and expanding opportunities for diverse learners across the country.

Konza Technopolis, Machakos county

With this strategic location, the university is well-positioned to leverage cutting-edge technology and digital infrastructure to provide a seamless learning experience to its students.

"In Konza, Machakos County, awarded charter to the Open University of Kenya — the first virtual public university in the country — that will expand university capacity and build a formidable stock of skills and expertise for our market and beyond," the president said.

In essence, an Open University is a virtual learning institution that redefines the boundaries of traditional education.

It offers learners the unique opportunity to pursue their studies from the comfort of their homes or workplaces.

Transcending physical locations

UNESCO defines open or self-paced learning as an educational philosophy transcending physical limitations, enabling learning to occur anywhere and anytime through various resources.

The Open University of Kenya fully embraces the concept of distance learning, granting students access to physical classes irrespective of their geographical location.

"It is a unique online institution that will position Kenya as a leader in education exports within Africa. This milestone demonstrates our unwavering commitment to fostering knowledge, innovation, and excellence for future generations. Let's embrace the limitless opportunities this university brings, empowering young minds to shape a brighter future together," Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said.

Unlike conventional universities with stringent entry requirements, open universities adopt an inclusive approach, welcoming students regardless of age or educational background.

A correspondence learning framework

This inclusivity enables individuals engaged in various commitments, such as work or family responsibilities, to pursue higher education without compromising their existing obligations.

The pedagogical framework of the Open University draws inspiration from correspondence learning, where course content was once delivered by post, and assignments were submitted through the same medium. Technological advancements have ushered in a new era, enhancing the interaction between students and lecturers.

Consequently, the distinction between conventional universities and open universities is becoming increasingly negligible.

Open learning facilitates affordable education and dismantles geographical barriers, making education accessible to a broader spectrum of individuals.

The system accommodates learners' limitations and preferences, offering flexibility in the number of units they wish to study based on availability and financial capacity.

The journey to establish the Open University of Kenya was not undertaken overnight.

Mainstreaming virtual, distance learning

The concept of mainstreaming distance learning to broaden access to higher education has needed to be developed and funded in Kenya, even after the establishment of the African Virtual University in 1997.

The Open University was envisioned as a solution to break traditional barriers and provide opportunities to qualified individuals who could not secure places in conventional universities.

The establishment of the Open University gained momentum through policy documents, reports, and strategies.

The journey began with developing a Sessional Paper No. 1 of 2005 titled "A Policy Framework for Education, Training and Research; Meeting the Challenges of Education, Training and Research in Kenya in the 21st Century."

Subsequent reports, including the National Strategy for University Education (2008) and the Road Map for Open University (Rumble Report 2008), further reinforced the vision.

In 2014, the then Education Cabinet Secretary appointed a task force to expedite the realisation of the Open University.

This culminated in the Cabinet's approval to establish the national open university in 2016, marking a significant milestone in the journey.

Courses available at the Open University of Kenya

The Open University of Kenya introduces a range of programs designed to cater to the diverse needs of learners.

President Ruto announced that the inaugural programs would cost half the fees charged in other public universities.

As per their website, the six undergraduate degree programs include:

School of Economics and Business

1. Bachelor of Business and Entrepreneurship
2. Bachelor of Economics and Statistics

School of Science and Technology

1. Bachelor of Data Science
2. Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics

School of Education

1. Bachelor of Technology Education
2. Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership and Accountability
3. Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Design and Technology

School of Agriculture

1. Bachelor of Agri-Technology and Food System

An official who spoke to TUKO.co.ke at Jogoo House said the fee structure will be public once the university begins operations.

Additionally, the university will offer two graduate degrees in leadership and accountability and learning design and teaching.

The Open University of Kenya marks a pivotal shift in the educational landscape of the nation.

Transcending geographical challenges

Its innovative approach to learning, inclusivity, and the strategic use of technology stands as a beacon of hope for learners seeking accessible and quality higher education.

As Kenya's 42nd public university, it is poised to reshape the educational trajectory of the country, fostering a culture of lifelong learning and empowerment.

The inaugural cohort is set to begin their academic journey in September, heralding a new dawn in the evolution of higher education in Kenya.

In terms of governance, the Open University adopts a unique structure. Unlike conventional public universities, the president has appointed the chair of the council and Equity Group Managing Director, James Mwangi, as the Chancellor.

The vice-chancellor is Prof Elijah Omwenga, while Prof Ezra Maritim is the university council chairman.

In the 2022-23 national budget, the university was allocated KSh 270 million for its establishment, including curriculum development and infrastructure construction at Konza.