OUK: First Open University of Kenya Courses Offered & Application

Open University of Kenya (OUK) is an open and distance learning institution that offers courses to people who lack time to attend physical classes, making education accessible.

The Open University of Kenya Courses Offered

Courses and Programmes

Here is a list of the all the courses offered by the Open University in Kenya in 2023:

• Bachelor of Data Science
• Bachelor of Technology Education
• Bachelor of Economics and Statistics
• Bachelor of Business and Entrepreneurship
• Bachelor of AgriTechnology and Food Systems
• Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics
• Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership and Accountability and
• Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Design and Technology

Schools

OUK has four schools that offer the above courses:

• Education
• Agriculture
• Science and Technology
• Economics and Business

How to Apply for Open University of Kenya Courses

Supply:

• National ID number

Tools:

• PC
• Phone
• Online Browser

Materials: Email address

“KUCCPS will incorporate the Open University of Kenya into its portal in time to enroll students for the academic year commencing September.”

Ruto said

Students placed via KUCCPS to the Open University of Kenya will be eligible for Government funding via the HEF portal and the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).

Open University of Kenya Registration

Here are the requirements to register with the Open University of Kenya:

• First Name
• Last Name 
• Middle Name
• National ID or Passport 
• Mobile phone number
• Email address
• Highest Education qualification. This includes short courses in the relevant field)
• Recognition of prior learning may be considered, or at least two years of relevant work experience in a related field

“Any other qualifications that may be determined by Senate recognizing prior learning leading to equivalents of the identified criteria, experience, and skills of learners.”

reads the technical working committee report

About the Open University of Kenya

The proposed Open University of Kenya (OUK) looked to be a distant dream, mainly due to financial constraints in prior years.

Timeline

Here is a timeline of the events leading to Kenya’s first open university:

• In 2011, priority academic fields for the envisioned open university were highlighted. 
• In August 2016, the proposal to establish a national open university was approved.
• The University was allocated Sh270 million in the FY 22/23 national budget.
• In 2023, passing of the Draft Charter for the Establishment of the Open University of Kenya by Parliament. This set the stage to clear the legal framework with recommendations for the award of charter.
• On 3 August 2023, President William Ruto awarded the charter to the Open University of Kenya.

The Kenya Kwanza Manifesto aimed to make it a reality. Consequently, several leaders attended the awarding of the charter to Open University.

MPs, Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior, and the following Cabinet Secretaries accompanied the President during the launch:

• Alfred Mutua
• Davies Chirchir
• CS for Education Ezekiel Machogu
• Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi

Open or self-paced learning is “an educational philosophy that uses technology to close the gap between conventional and open universities.

The concept of an open university is new in Kenya. The university will offer courses through distance learning. OUK will also offer online learning. Hence, the fees are expected to be lower than other universities due to lower costs.

“Students at the university will also get to study at their own pace, with assessment being done on demand. This will be via the Learning Management System, which has not yet been launched alongside the website due to pending approvals.”

 said the Cabinet Secretary for Education Machogu

OUK Contacts

Contact the Open University of Kenya (OUK) Academic Office via:

Email: https://mail.ouk.ac.ke/

Phone: +254 20 33 18 581

P.O. Box: 300400, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya

Open University of Kenya Fees

OUK is yet to detail the course fees and additional charges.

Join the Kenyan Guides Telegram Channel to be informed when available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Open University of Kenya (OUK) located?

OUK is located in Machakos County in the Konza Technopolis.

Who is the vice chancellor of the Open University of Kenya?

Dr. James Mwangi was appointed Vice Chancellor of the Open University of Kenya on Thursday, 3 August 3, 2023.

What makes the Open University of Kenya unique?

The uniqueness of the proposed open learning methodology by the OUK lies in its embrace of technology. Students can enroll at the university and undertake their studies remotely, at their speed, and in their preferred environment.

How is the Open University of Kenya regulated in providing university education?

It operates under the Universities Act, and the Commission for University Education oversees its functioning and offerings. This ensures that education aligns with set standards and qualifications for higher education in Kenya.

Who can enroll at the Open University of Kenya?

All students seeking university education can enroll at the Open University of Kenya. The university’s open learning model allows for an expansive admission policy, making higher education access possible for a broad demographic of students and acknowledging the diversity of learners’ circumstances.

Does the Open University of Kenya have unique features launched alongside the university’s website?

Yes, in its adherence to digital inclusivity and open learning, the Open University of Kenya launched several student-focused features alongside its website, ensuring a fully-fledged online experience not confined to traditional classroom boundaries.

Is the Open University of Kenya recognized as an existing university?

Absolutely. The Open University of Kenya was established under the Universities Act and is recognized by the Commission for University Education. Its status as an existing university affirms its legitimate place in providing quality higher education for all.