Several universities in Kenya offer online and distance learning programmes, giving students a chance to study without attending physical classes every day.
The flexible options let students pursue certificates, diplomas, degrees, and postgraduate courses while balancing study with work, business, or family commitments.
Depending on the institution, learners may study fully online or through a blended model that combines virtual classes with occasional face-to-face sessions, examinations or practical training.
Below is a look at the universities offering online and distance learning programmes and the courses available through their platforms.
- Open University of Kenya
The Open University of Kenya (OUK) is a public institution established to provide flexible university education through technology-driven learning.
According to OUK, the university offers fully online undergraduate programmes, allowing students to study from different locations without relocating to attend regular physical classes.
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Data Science
- Bachelor of Economics and Statistics
- Bachelor of Education (Arts)
- Bachelor of Entrepreneurship and Business
- Bachelor of Public Administration
- Bachelor of Public Communication
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Agritechnology and Food Systems
The institution also provides postgraduate studies and professional development opportunities.
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- Kenyatta University
Kenyatta University offers online and open distance learning through its Digital School of Virtual and Open Learning (DSVOL).
According to the school, the university provides certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes for students who may be unable to attend regular campus classes.
Its programmes cover education, business, agriculture, law, social sciences, health sciences, and technology.
The university uses online instruction and blended learning, and it also has regional centres that support students who require in-person academic sessions.
- Mount Kenya University
Mount Kenya University (MKU) offers online and distance learning through its Directorate of Open, Distance and Electronic Learning (ODEL).
According to the university, students can pursue training at different levels, including certificates, diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, postgraduate qualifications, master’s degrees, and PhDs.
Its programmes cover areas such as business, information technology, education, procurement, public administration and project management.
Students can access digital learning materials and study remotely, and depending on the programme, they may also be required to attend examinations or other academic activities at designated campuses and centres.
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) offers online programmes through its School of Open, Distance and eLearning (SODeL).
The university’s programme catalogue includes certificate, diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate courses.
- Certificate in Information Technology
- Diploma in Information Technology
- Diploma in Purchasing and Supplies Management
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Business Information Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
- Bachelor of Human Resource Management
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Science in Project Management
- Master of Science in Procurement and Logistics Management
- Master of Science in Strategic Management
The programmes provide opportunities for students interested in business, information technology, procurement and management to pursue higher education through distance learning.
- University of Nairobi
The University of Nairobi offers open, distance and e-learning programmes through its different schools and departments.
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Its distance learning has courses in education, business, arts, social sciences and community development.
Some of the programmes include:
- Bachelor of Education (Arts)
- Bachelor of Education (Science)
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Adult Education and Community Development
- Diploma in Adult Education and Community Development
- Master of Arts in Peace Education
- Postgraduate Diploma in Education
The university uses online learning platforms and digital study materials, though some programmes may require students to attend face-to-face residential sessions or other scheduled academic activities.
- Egerton University
Egerton University provides distance learning through its e-campus and other distance-learning programmes.
According to the institution, students can pursue courses in areas such as library and information science, criminology, security management, psychology and community development.
- Bachelor of Library and Information Science
- Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Security Studies
- Master of Arts in Criminology and Security Studies
- Master of Arts in Security Management
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
- Bachelor of Science in Community Development Studies
- Master of Education in Education Management
- Master of Science in Community Studies and Extension
The university provides online learning materials and other resources to support students studying away from its physical campuses.
- Kenya Methodist University
Kenya Methodist University (KeMU) offers online and distance learning through its Digital Campus, as well as virtual and blended learning programmes.
The university’s programme include courses in health systems management, agriculture, information science and business.
Some of the programmes include:
- Master of Science in Health Systems Management
- Master of Science in Agriculture and Rural Development
- Master of Science in Information Science
- Bachelor of Science in Health Systems Management
- Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
- Bachelor of Science in Information Science
- Diploma in Business Administration
- Diploma in Business Information Technology
- Diploma in Horticulture
The institution also provides part-time and blended learning arrangements for students who need flexible study schedules.
- Management University of Africa
The Management University of Africa (MUA) offers online and distance learning through its Open, Distance and eLearning directorate.
According to its programme catalogue, the institution provides undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, certificate and professional courses.
Its academic programmes cover business, management, leadership, development studies, and information technology.
Some of the listed courses include:
- Bachelor of Business and Information Technology
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies
- Bachelor of Management and Leadership
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Arts in Development Studies
- Master of Management and Leadership
- Diploma in Business Information Technology
- Diploma in Information Technology
- Diploma in Counselling Psychology
- Certificate in Entrepreneurship
- Certificate in Information Science
The university also provides professional training opportunities, including courses associated with ACCA, CPA and CPS.
- University of Embu
The University of Embu offers online and blended learning through its Directorate of Open, Distance and e-Learning (ODeL).
The university says its flexible learning arrangements are intended to accommodate working professionals, entrepreneurs, adult learners and students who cannot attend regular physical classes.
Its online and distance learning opportunities cover areas such as business, education, science, technology, agriculture, health sciences, humanities and social sciences.
Depending on the programme requirements, students can access digital learning resources and participate in learning activities remotely.
- Kabarak University
Kabarak University provides different modes of study, including digital and blended learning options. Its academic offerings cover fields such as business, education, science and technology.
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