President William Ruto named Equity Bank Group Managing Director James Mwangi as the first Chancellor of the Open University of Kenya (OUK).

Speaking during the charter award ceremony at the Konza Technopolis, Machakos County, President Ruto stated that OUK is a national piece of infrastructure and a global outfit.

In his speech, Ruto said Dr. Mwangi has a passion for education and is fit to ensure the success of the university.

“Let me thank my friend James Mwangi, I know I did not give you options to say no. It is because I have seen your passion in education, the Wings to Fly programme has given thousands of young Kenyans to acquire an opportunity for education.

Your performance at Meru University is something that we are very proud of, and we will be more proud with your stewardship as the Chancellor of the Open University of Kenya,” said President Ruto.

Further, Ruto said OUK will provide opportunity for many eligible and interested youth who are unable to enroll for university courses.

“Today, Kenya makes history by flinging open the doors of the university for everyone who wishes to receive the highest level of education from the convenience of their home, office, kiosk, farm or other hustles.

Those who do not wish or cannot afford to abandon their other interests in order to pursue university education can now enroll on more Convenient terms, “he said.

Ruto further said the university is for herdsmen, farmers, mama mboga, matatu driver, bodaboda, watchman, domestic employee as well as trained professionals and graduates.

“Nothing says “bottom-up” better than the Open University of Kenya; it is, indeed, the People’s University. Wherever you are, you are in the university once you log in,” he added.

Also Read: Ruto Launches ‘Mama Mboga’ University

Elated Dr. Mwangi 

In his remarks, Dr. Mwangi thanked the president for his appointment as Chancellor and promised to embark on infrastructural development to make the institution outstanding.

Further, he noted his appointment came at a time when his service as Chancellor at Meru University of Science and Technology had just ended.

In addition, he pledged to work towards making the university one of the best in the country by incorporating advanced technologies in their learning process.

“The Open University of Kenya is a great opportunity for people who want to pursue higher education but cannot afford to attend traditional universities.

We will embark on infrastructural developments and apply modern technology to ensure it becomes one of the best performing higher learning institutions in Kenya,” he said.

OUK will admit the first cohort of students to its online learning in September 2023.

Also Read: KUCCPS Boss Explains Why Degree Students Choose Diploma Courses

Courses at the Open University 

In the September intake, OUK will start by offering eight programmes; six bachelor’s programmes and two postgraduate programmes.

The degree programmes include: Bachelor of Cyber Security and Digital Forensics, Bachelor of Data Science, Bachelor of Technology Education, Bachelor of Science in Business and Entrepreneurship, Bachelor of Economics and Statistics, and Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Food Systems.

The two postgraduate programmes are in Leadership and Accountability and Learning Design and Technology.