Courses Offered At Open University Of Kenya In 2023: A Detailed Guide

The launch of the Open University of Kenya (OUK) by President William Ruto signifies a notable milestone in the country's higher learning landscape. Hailed as a game-changer, the OUK is envisaged to augment access to quality and affordable education across the country, aligning with the government's objective of achieving a 100 percent transition to university.

Founded at the Konza Technopolis, Machakos, the country's inaugural public virtual university, adopts the philosophy of "open or self-paced learning," an approach championed by UNESCO. It's an educational model where learning can occur anytime, anywhere, and from any resource, effectively bridging geographical and time limitations that often hinder pursuing higher education.

A Closer Look at Open Universities 

An open university is a virtual learning institution that allows learners to study from their homes or workplaces. Unlike traditional universities with strict entry requirements, open universities have a more flexible approach, accepting students regardless of age or educational background. This inclusive model expands learning opportunities for individuals juggling regular work or residing in geographically isolated regions.

At OUK, course content is meticulously curated and presented in modules available in print or electronic forms, supplemented by live virtual lectures. The foundation of open universities can be traced back to the concept of learning by correspondence. However, with technological advances, the interaction between students and lecturers is now seamless and efficient.

The Genesis of the Open University of Kenya

The Open University of Kenya represents the realization of a vision that had long been underfunded and underdeveloped. The establishment of an open university was proposed to break conventional barriers, thereby providing more Kenyans the chance to access university education. This idea was articulated through various policy documents and reports, starting with the Sessional Paper No. 1 of 2005.

The proposal to establish a national open university was approved in August 2016. However, it remained a dream until the allocation of Ksh270 million in the 2022-23 national budget for setting up the OUK, including curriculum development and construction at Konza.

A Glimpse into Open University of Kenya Programmes 

The Open University of Kenya offers an array of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs meticulously designed to meet the dynamic demands of various industries. The six undergraduate degree programs are 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 Agriculture and Food Security.

In addition, the university offers two graduate degrees in leadership and accountability and learning design and teaching. These courses are delivered through four schools: Education, Agriculture, Science and Technology, and Economics and Business. Notably, the fees for these courses are half of what other public universities charge, making higher education more affordable to a broader demographic.

Here is a table summary of all the courses currently offered at the Open University Of Kenya:

How to Apply for Open University of Kenya Courses 

Applying for courses at the Open University of Kenya is a straightforward online process:

1. Visit the Open University of Kenya website.
2. Click on the Enroll Button.
3. Confirm the availability of the specific course.
4. Enter your registration details and click Submit.

An Insight into the Open University of Kenya's Management

The management structure of the Open University of Kenya mirrors that of conventional universities, with a twist. The President appoints the council chair and the University's Chancellor. The Education CS appoints the Vice-Chancellor based on the council's recommendation.

The Journey Ahead for the Open University of Kenya

The OUK is an exciting chapter in Kenya's educational journey, marking the country's commitment to embracing the future of learning. By leveraging technology, it seeks to offer flexible, affordable, and quality higher education accessible to all Kenyans, thereby bringing the dream of universal access to higher education within reach.

Open University of Kenya (OUK) Contact Information:

In Case of any Queries, You can reach Out to the open university using the following details:

READ ALSO: Open University of Kenya: Courses, Fee Structure, Schools, Contacts, and How to Register

Conclusion

The Open University of Kenya is not just an educational institution; it's a revolution in education. Breaking down geographical and time barriers expands access to quality and affordable education, enabling many Kenyans to fulfill their academic ambitions. With its unique offerings and innovative model, the OUK is undeniably a game-changer in Kenya's higher education landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What is the Open University of Kenya? The Open University of Kenya is the country's first virtual public university offering various undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
2. Who can apply to the Open University of Kenya? OUK is flexible, accepting students irrespective of age or educational background.
3. How can one apply for courses at the Open University of Kenya? Application for courses is made online through the OUK website.
4. What courses does the Open University of Kenya offer? OUK offers six undergraduate and two postgraduate degree programs spread across four schools.
5. What is the fee structure for the Open University of Kenya courses? The OUK course fees are half what other public universities charge.
6. Where is the Open University of Kenya based? OUK is based at the Konza Technopolis, Machakos.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is based on the latest data available at the time of publishing. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and up-to-date information, prospective students are advised to confirm the details with the Open University of Kenya before making any decisions.