The Open University of Kenya has marked a historic milestone in its quest to revolutionize higher education in Kenya, with the launch of ten new academic programmes and eight professional development courses.
This expansion, unveiled at a ceremony at Konza Technopolis, signals the University’s commitment to providing accessible and high-quality education through a fully digital learning model.
The event was graced by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Elijah Omwenga, alongside senior officials, university staff, and media representatives.
In his keynote address, Prof. Omwenga expressed confidence that the launch of these programmes would significantly boost student enrollment and solidify OUK’s leadership in digital education.
“We started with seven programmes, and today we are launching more than twenty academic and professional development courses. This is a game-changer for us, as it means increased enrollment and a greater impact on shaping the future of higher education in Kenya,” Prof. Omwenga said.
He further emphasized that a university’s growth is directly tied to its academic offerings, noting that OUK remains committed to continually expanding its portfolio to meet the demands of today’s dynamic world.
The newly introduced academic programmes cover a wide array of disciplines and cater to the evolving needs of the job market, with a focus on emerging industries and technological advancements. The ten new programmes are spread across four Schools: Agriculture, Business and Economics, Education, and Science and Technology.
– School of Agriculture: Bachelor of Agricultural Technology and Food Systems
– School of Business and Economics: Bachelor of Economics and Data Science, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management
School of Education: Postgraduate Diploma in Education, Masters in Learning Design and Technology
– School of Science and Technolog: Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Computing, Master of Data Science, Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence, Master of Science in Cybersecurity
In addition to these degree programmes, OUK has launched eight professional development courses aimed at enhancing skills and fostering professional growth. Some of these short courses, which range from leadership to mental health awareness, are free, while others are fee-based.
The new professional development courses include:
– Accountability Fundamentals
– Business Modelling for Entrepreneurs
– Corporate Governance
– Emotional Intelligence
– Gender and Diversity
– Mental Health Awareness
– Online Assessment
Prof. Carolyne Omulando, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs, emphasized the meticulous process behind developing these new programmes, ensuring they align with both market needs and the rapid pace of technological innovation.
“This has been a journey that began last year, full of dedication from our academic and ICT teams. Today, we celebrate the realization of that vision. These programmes are designed to equip learners with relevant, future-ready skills,” Prof. Omulando stated.
In addition to the academic and professional courses, Prof. Christopher Chepken, the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Planning and Infrastructure, highlighted the role of technology in OUK’s educational approach. He pointed out that OUK is building a “digital education giant” in the region, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and interactive digital platforms to ensure a rich learning experience.
“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 programme development and ensure quality education for our learners,” Prof. Chepken remarked.
Since receiving its Charter on August 3, 2023, OUK has rapidly positioned itself as a leader in online education, enrolling its first students in January 2024 and graduating its first cohort of seventy-eight Postgraduate Diploma students in November 2024.
With the launch of these new programmes and professional development courses, OUK is poised to meet the growing demand for flexible, high-quality education that is aligned with industry needs. As enrollment numbers continue to grow, the University remains dedicated to providing students with the skills necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving global economy.
“We are creating opportunities for learners across Kenya and beyond, making higher education accessible to all,” Prof. Omwenga concluded.
With this expansion, OUK continues to transform digital education, setting new standards for the future of learning in Kenya.
