Open University of Kenya: Courses, Fee Structure, Schools, Contacts, and How to Apply

The revolution of education in the 21st century has brought about the concept of distance learning, transforming traditional learning into a flexible, accessible, and inclusive system. The Open University of Kenya (OUK) is among the game changers in this evolution. Established to bridge the gap in the education sector and address the issues of access, equity, quality, and relevance, the OUK serves as a beacon of innovation in higher education. In this comprehensive guide, you'll discover everything about the Open University of Kenya, from its courses and fees to its schools, contacts, and registration process.

The Open University Concept and Its Relevance in Kenya

Open universities are higher-learning institutions that offer courses through distance learning. This paradigm shift in education brings a significant advantage - it extends learning opportunities to individuals needing more time to attend physical classes, regardless of location. The openness of OUK is seen as a gateway to higher education, breaking traditional barriers and providing opportunities for more Kenyans to access university education.

In contrast to distance learning universities, which have entry requirements similar to traditional universities, open universities tend to accept any student, irrespective of age and prior education, making education accessible to everyone. This unique approach has positioned the OUK as an attractive and convenient option, particularly for individuals engaged in regular work or geographically dispersed.

The Genesis of the Open University of Kenya

Following Kenya's independence in 1963, the need for education reforms, such as increasing the number of schools, colleges, and universities, was recognized. The Open University of Kenya was established to expand access to higher education. After an initial hurdle due to financial constraints, the university was finally opened in 2023, with its charter awarded by President William Ruto at Konza Technology City, Machakos County.

The establishment of the OUK was made possible by passing the Draft Charter for the Establishment of the Open University of Kenya by Parliament. The formation aligns with the Universities Act of 2012, which provides for creating a specialized university to offer programs on e-learning platforms.

Open University of Kenya: Governance and Structure

The governance and management of the Open University of Kenya align with that of traditional universities. The institution is managed by:

1. The Chancellor
2. The Chairperson of the Council
3. The members of the Council
4. The Vice-Chancellor
5. The Deputy Vice Chancellors
6. Registrars
7. The University Librarian
8. Chief Legal Officer
9. The Academic Staff
10. Administrative Staff
11. Non-academic staff
12. The students
13. The Alumni
14. The convocation

Schools at the Open University of Kenya

The Open University of Kenya is composed of four distinctive schools, namely:

1. School of Science and Technology: This school offers programs like Bachelor of Data Science and Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics.
2. School of Education specializes in Technology Education and Learning Design and Technology.
3. School of Economics and Business: It provides programs in Business and Entrepreneurship, Economics and Statistics, and Leadership and Accountability.
4. School of Agriculture: The school focuses on AgriTechnology and Food Systems.

Open University of Kenya: Courses and Fees Structure

The Open University of Kenya offers a variety of degree and postgraduate programs under its four schools. However, the institution still needs to detail the course fees and additional charges, which are expected to be lower than other universities. The courses offered include:

1. Bachelor of Business and Entrepreneurship

A Bachelor of Business and Entrepreneurship (BBE) degree is a four-year undergraduate degree that provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to start and manage their businesses. The program typically covers business management, marketing, finance, accounting, and entrepreneurship.

There are many different career paths you can pursue with a BBE degree. Some of the most common career paths include:

• Entrepreneur
• Business Manager
• Marketing Manager
• Financial analyst
• Accountant

2. Bachelor of Economics and Statistics

A Bachelor of Economics and Statistics (BES) degree is a program that will equip you with all the knowledge and skills you need to apply economic theory and statistical methods to solve real-world problems. The program typically covers microeconomics, statistics, econometrics, and data analysis.

There are many different career paths you can pursue with a BES degree. Some of the most common career paths include:

• Economist
• Statistician
• Data analyst
• Financial analyst
• Market research analyst

3. Bachelor of Data Science

Data science is a rapidly growing field that involves extracting knowledge from data. Data scientists use various tools and techniques to collect, clean, analyze, and interpret data. They use this information to solve problems, make predictions, and improve decision-making.

A bachelor's degree in data science is a great way to learn the skills you need to become a data scientist. These programs typically cover statistics, machine learning, and data mining. They also teach students how to use programming languages such as Python and R.

The demand for data scientists is expected to grow by 22% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by the increasing data generated by businesses, organizations, and individuals. You can do many things with a bachelor's degree in data science. Some of the most common jobs for data scientists include:

• Data analyst
• Data Engineer
• Machine learning engineer
• Data scientist
• Business intelligence analyst
• Data visualization specialist

4. Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics

Cyber security is a rapidly growing field in high demand here in Kenya. A bachelor's degree in cyber security and digital forensics can help you prepare for a career in this exciting and challenging field. These programs typically cover topics such as:

• Computer networking
• Cryptography
• Operating systems
• Programming languages
• Network security
• Digital forensics
• Ethical hacking
• Incident response

There are many reasons to get a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics. This degree can prepare you for various high-paying jobs in the field of cyber security. It can also help you develop the skills you need to protect your own data and your organization's data. Some of the most common jobs for cybersecurity professionals include:

• Cyber security analyst
• Security Engineer
• Security Architect
• Incident responder
• Forensic investigator
• Security consultant

5. Bachelor of Technology Education 

Technology education is a field that prepares students to teach technology-related subjects in K-12 schools. A bachelor's degree in technology education can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful teacher in this field. These programs typically take four years to complete and cover a wide range of topics, including:

• The history of technology
• The principles of technology education
• The use of technology in the classroom
• The teaching of specific technology subjects, such as computer science, engineering, and design
• The assessment of student learning in technology

 This degree can prepare you for various high-paying jobs in education. It can also help you develop the skills to teach technology to students of all ages. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, the demand for technology education teachers is expected to grow by 8% from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by technology's increasing importance in our society. Some of the most common jobs for technology education teachers include:

• Technology education teacher
• Computer science teacher
• Engineering teacher
• Design teacher
• Technology coach
• Curriculum developer

6. Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership and Accountability 

Leadership and accountability are two essential skills for anyone who wants to succeed in today's world. A postgraduate diploma in leadership and accountability can help you develop these skills and prepare for a career in leadership. These programs typically take one year to complete and cover a wide range of topics, including:

• Leadership theories and concepts
• Strategic planning
• Team building
• Communication and conflict resolution
• Ethics and governance
• Change management

A postgraduate diploma in leadership and accountability can also help you advance your career. Many employers in Kenya are looking for employees with these skills. With this degree, you will be well-positioned for various leadership positions in the private, public, and non-profit sectors. Some of the most common jobs for graduates include:

• Manager
• Director
• Executive
• Consultant
• Trainer
• Coach

7. Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Design and Technology

Learning design and technology is a field that focuses on the creation and use of technology to improve learning. A postgraduate diploma in learning design and technology can help you develop the skills you need to design, develop, and evaluate learning experiences that are effective, engaging, and accessible. With this degree, you will be well-positioned for various positions in the education sector and other sectors that use technology to train and develop their employees. Some of the most common jobs for graduates include:

• Learning designer
• Instructional designer
• E-learning developer
• Game-based learning developer
• Mobile learning developer
• Data analyst for learning

8. Bachelor of Agri-Technology and Food Systems 

Agri-technology is applying technology to improve agricultural production, processing, and distribution. A Bachelor of Agri-Technology and Food Systems degree is a multidisciplinary degree that combines agricultural science, engineering, and business. This degree prepares students for agri-food careers, including agriculture, food processing, and distribution. Some of the most common jobs for graduates include:

• Agricultural engineer: Design, construct, and maintain agricultural machinery and equipment.
• Agricultural scientist: Research agricultural problems and develop solutions.
• Food technologist: Develop new food products and improve the safety and quality of food.
• Food safety inspector: Ensure that food is safe to eat.
• Agri-business manager: Manage agricultural businesses, such as farms, food processing plants, and distributors.
• Agri-food consultant: Provide advice to businesses and organizations on agri-food issue

How to Register for Courses at the Open University of Kenya

Enrolling in the Open University of Kenya is straightforward. Here are the steps:

1. Visit the OUK enrollment page at https://ouk.ac.ke
2. Select the course you want to apply for
3. If the course is available, click the "Enroll Now" button.
4. Please fill out the application form and submit it.

The Open University of Kenya Fees

How does the Open University of Kenya ensure the quality of education in its distance learning programs?

The Open University of Kenya (OU-KE) is the first a public university to offer distance learning programs to students nationwide. The university is committed to ensuring the quality of education in its programs, and it has several measures in place to do so.

1. A rigorous curriculum

Experts in the respective fields develop the OU-KE curriculum. The curriculum is regularly reviewed and updated to meet the latest standards.

2. Qualified and experienced faculty

The OU-KE faculty are highly qualified and experienced in their respective fields. They are also trained in distance learning pedagogy.

3. Effective teaching and learning materials

The OU-KE uses various teaching and learning materials, including textbooks, e-books, audio and video lectures, and online discussion forums. These materials are designed to be accessible and engaging for distance learners.

4. Support services

The OU-KE provides various support services to its students, including academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling. These services help students to succeed in their studies.

5. Quality assurance measures

The OU-KE has several quality assurance measures to ensure the quality of its distance learning programs. These measures include regular student surveys, external peer reviews, and internal audits.

Open University of Kenya Contacts

Admission is based on performance. For admission inquiries, you can contact the OUK academic office at 

• [email protected]
• PO Box 300400, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
• +254 20 33 18 581

READ ALSO: List Of Requirements for University Scholarships, Bursaries & Loans in Kenya

Conclusion

The Open University of Kenya is an excellent stride towards democratizing education. This institution offers various courses across disciplines, allowing learners to learn flexibly, affordably, and conveniently. Today, take the first step towards a brighter future and enroll at the Open University of Kenya.

FAQ

What is the Open University of Kenya? 

The Open University of Kenya is a distance learning institution that offers courses to people who may need more time to attend physical classes.

Who can enroll in the Open University of Kenya?

 Anyone can enroll in the Open University of Kenya, irrespective of age and previous education.

How was the Open University of Kenya formed?

 The OUK was formed following Parliament's passing of the Draft Charter for establishing the Open University of Kenya.

How do I register for the Open University of Kenya courses? 

To register for a course at the OUK, visit their enrollment page, select a course, click on the "Enroll Now" button, and fill out the application form.

How can I contact the Open University of Kenya for admission inquiries?

You can contact the OUK academic office at +254 20 33 18 581 or [email protected].

Does the Open University of Kenya offer postgraduate programs? 

The OUK offers postgraduate programs such as the Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership and Accountability and the Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Design and Technology.

What are the fees for OUK programs?

The annual cost of undergraduate programs is Ksh105,000, except the Bachelor of Technology Education program, which costs Ksh115,000 per year. Postgraduate programs cost Ksh110,000 for one academic year.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Please contact the Open University of Kenya for the most accurate and current information. The author has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information within this article at the time of writing. However, we cannot guarantee the information's accuracy, completeness, or validity.