Open University of Kenya Introduces 18 New Programs Including Free Courses

The Open University of Kenya (OUK) has launched 18 new courses open for all students.

The new courses include 10 academic degree programs and eight professional development courses, some of which are free of charge.

Ouk said the courses were launched during an event held at Konza Technopolis on Tuesday, February 11, which was presided over by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Elijah Omwenga, senior university officials and the media.

Since its inception, OUK has embraced a fully digital learning model, allowing students from across Kenya and beyond to access quality education remotely.

Also Read: Open University of Kenya Announces Intakes; How to Enroll & Cost of Programs

List of the Newly Launched Programs

The 10 newly launched academic programs are across four schools including the School of Agriculture, the School of Business and Economics, the School of Education and the School of Science and Technology.

The courses include Bachelor of Agricultural Technology and Food Systems, Bachelor of Economics and Data Science, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Administration and Postgraduate Diploma in Education. 

Other courses are Master’s in Learning Design and Technology, Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Computing, Master of Data Science, Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and a Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics.

These programs are designed to equip students with skills relevant to the modern workforce, ensuring graduates can contribute effectively to various sectors.

In addition to full degree programs, OUK has introduced eight professional development courses aimed at skill-building and career advancement.

Some of these courses are offered free of charge, ensuring more learners benefit from quality education without financial barriers.

The new short courses include Accountability Fundamentals, Business Modelling for Entrepreneurs, E-Learning Essentials for Online Engagement and Corporate Governance. 

The Open University of Kenya (OUK) has also introduced a course in Emotional Intelligence, Gender and Diversity, Mental Health Awareness and Online Assessment.

Also Read: Open University of Kenya Partners with China to Launch Two Digital Learning Centers

Open University of Kenya Faculty Speak at the Launch

Speaking at the event, Prof. Omwenga highlighted the significance of these new programs in attracting more students and strengthening OUK’s impact.

“We started with seven programs, and now we are launching more than twenty academic and professional development courses. This is a game-changer for us, as it means increased enrollment and an even greater impact in shaping the future of higher education in Kenya,” he said.

Prof Omwenga also emphasized the university’s commitment to continuous growth, stating that “without programs, a university cannot thrive.”

On his part, OUK’s Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Planning and Infrastructure, Prof. Christopher Chepken, highlighted the institution’s pioneering role in digital education.

“We are building an academic giant in this region, one that fully embraces digital education. Our university integrates AI and the latest online delivery methods to support program development and ensure quality education for our learners,” he noted. 

Moreover, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Planning and Infrastructure, Prof. Christopher Chepken, emphasized OUK’s dedication to leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital platforms to enhance learning.

“We are building an academic giant in this region, one that fully embraces digital education. Our university integrates AI and the latest online delivery methods to support program development and ensure quality education for our learners,” he said.

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