President William Ruto has enrolled for a master’s degree at the Open University of Kenya (OUK), demonstrating his strong support for the country’s first fully digital university.
During his visit to Konza Technopolis on October 13, where he inaugurated the first phase of the smart city’s infrastructure, President Ruto reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding access to affordable higher education through online and technology-enabled platforms such as OUK.
“By 2026, the Open University of Kenya will enrol 100,000 students,” said the President.
“It will be the largest university in Kenya. We have invested in the most modern resources to support learning, making it affordable, accessible and fully digital. The cost of online courses will be just a fraction of what other universities are charging.”
Ruto’s vote of confidence for the Open University of Kenya
OUK Vice-Chancellor Prof. Elijah Omwenga described the President’s enrollment as a strong vote of confidence in the institution and in Kenya’s shift towards open and flexible learning.
“We are so privileged that you will be our student,” said Prof. Omwenga. “Your enrollment is a great encouragement to thousands of learners embracing the future of education.”
Currently, OUK has more than 15,000 students, including 590 international learners from 70 countries, reflecting its growing global presence.
The university has rolled out 23 new academic programs ranging from undergraduate to doctoral levels, as well as 24 professional development courses lasting between two and eight weeks.
Prof. Omwenga said the short courses are designed to help professionals upgrade their skills and remain competitive in a changing job market.
About the Open University of Kenya
The Open University of Kenya (OUK) is a virtual institution established to provide flexible, inclusive, and accessible higher education across Kenya and beyond.
Chartered by President William Ruto on August 3, 2023, and located at the Konza Technopolis in Machakos County, OUK is Kenya’s first fully virtual university.
Its operating theme is “The Innovative University for Inclusive Prosperity.”
Whether you’re a recent high school graduate, a professional looking to upskill, or someone aiming to transition into a new career, OUK is designed to meet your needs through an innovative virtual learning model.
Location and Campuses
OUK is headquartered at Konza Technopolis, a smart city development south of Nairobi.
As a virtual learning institution, OUK delivers courses online, enabling learners from any part of Kenya and the East African region to pursue higher education remotely without needing to attend physical classes.
Courses Offered at the Open University of Kenya
Open University of Kenya offers a wide range of diplomas, undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional development courses through five specialized schools:
- School of Science and Technology
This school focuses on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) disciplines and aims to equip students with practical and problem-solving skills.
Courses Offered
Bachelor of Data Science
Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Computing
Bachelor of Economics and Data Science
Master’s in Data Science
Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence
Master of Science in Cyber Security
Master of Science in Digital Services Management
Master’s in Learning Design and Technology
Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics.
- School of Education
Designed to produce future educators and learning professionals through flexible online methods.
Courses Offered
Bachelor of Technology Education
Postgraduate Diploma in Education
Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Design and Technology
Master’s in Learning Design and Technology
- School of Business and Economics
Focuses on economic analysis, entrepreneurship, and leadership development.
Courses Offered
Bachelor of Business and Entrepreneurship
Bachelor of Economics and Statistics
Bachelor of Economics and Data Science
Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership and Accountability
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration
- School of Agriculture
Dedicated to sustainable agricultural practices, food systems, and natural resource management.
Course Offered
Bachelor of Agri-Technology and Food Systems
- School of Professional Development
Offers short, skills-based courses tailored for workforce upskilling and professional growth.
Courses Offered
Accountability Fundamentals
Corporate Governance
Business Modelling for Entrepreneurs
Gender and Diversity
Emotional Intelligence
Mental Health Awareness
Online Assessment
Also Read: Open University of Kenya Announces Intakes; How to Enroll & Cost of Programs
E-Learning Essentials for Online Engagement
Fee Structure at OUK
OUK offers affordable fee rates for its wide selection of programs.
- Bachelor of Data Science – Ksh105,000
- Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics – Ksh105,000
- Bachelor of Technology Education – Ksh115,000
- Bachelor of Business and Entrepreneurship – Ksh105,000
- Bachelor of Economics and Statistics – Ksh105,000
- Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Design and Technology –Ksh187, 500
- Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership and Accountability – Ksh110,000
- Master’s in data science, Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security and Digital Forensics and Digital Services Management – Ksh187,500
- PhD in Business Management – Ksh337,500.
- Bachelors of Agri-Technology and Food Systems – Ksh115,000
Note: Students from outside the East African region pay 10% more on the tuition fees.
Admission Requirements
To qualify for admission to undergraduate programs at Open University of Kenya, applicants must have at least a KCSE mean grade of C+ or equivalent or hold diplomas or professional qualifications from recognised institutions.
They must also have a KCSE certificate or equivalent and a foundational certificate or bridging course from recognised institutions.
Alternatively, they can present a Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education with a minimum of 1 principal and subsidiary passes.
Students interested in postgraduate diploma programs must possess a bachelor’s degree from an institution recognised by the Senate.
Also Read: Open University of Kenya Announces New Fees for Degree Programmes
Other entry pathways may include prior learning assessment, professional experience, or bridging programs, depending on the course.
Master’s and PhD Programs Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree in a relevant area of study or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Senate.
- A bachelor’s degree with at least a Pass or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Senate and a relevant Postgraduate Diploma from the Open University of Kenya or an institution recognized by the Senate.
PhD applicants must be holders of a master’s degree in a relevant field recognized by the Senate.
The OUK KUCCPS dedicated portal https://ouk.kuccps.net is open throughout the year for placement of students to the Open University of Kenya.
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