Kenya has taken a significant step in advancing its education system with the launch of the National Open University of Kenya (OUK). The fully-fledged online university, headquartered in Nairobi, is set to offer a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, along with short courses, to cater to diverse learners.
With a focus on inclusivity, the OUK aims to provide educational opportunities and enhance skills for various groups, including youth, older individuals, Persons with Disabilities, and marginalized communities. This will be achieved through the adoption of an Open and Distance e-learning approach, which offers flexible learning modes to accommodate different needs and circumstances.
Programs Offered at the National Open University of Kenya
The National Open University of Kenya plans to admit its inaugural cohort of approximately 7,100 students in September 2023 across eight programs. These programs comprise six bachelor’s programs and two postgraduate programs, covering a wide array of fields:
- Bachelor of Data Science
- Bachelor of Science in Cyber and Digital Forensics
- Bachelor of Technology Education
- Bachelor of Entrepreneurship and Business
- Bachelor of Economics and Statistics
- Bachelor of Agri-Technology and Food Systems
- Postgraduate Program: Leadership and Accountability
- Postgraduate Program: Learning Design and Technology
Location and Infrastructure of the University
According to the draft charter, the physical location of the university will be at Konza Technopolis. Additionally, the university will establish a virtual presence supported by a robust Learning Management System, utilizing both physical and cloud servers. While the temporary seat of the university is currently housed at the National Commission for Science, Technology, and Innovation (NACOSTI) headquarters, the long-term plan is to establish a dedicated facility at Konza Technopolis.
Affordability and Cost Structure
To ensure accessibility and affordability, the committee responsible for the OUK proposed a tiered fee structure. Degree students will be expected to pay between Ksh10,400 and Ksh10,900 per module, while postgraduate diploma courses will cost Ksh130,000 per year. Full-time students are typically enrolled in four to six modules, depending on the program.
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The committee provided a breakdown of the module costs for specific programs. For instance, the Bachelor of Data Science, Bachelor of Economics and Statistics, Bachelor of Science in Business and Entrepreneurship, Bachelor of Technology Education, and Bachelor of Cyber Security and Digital Forensics have a per-module cost of Ksh10,400. The two post-diploma courses, Diploma in Learning Design and Technology, and Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership and Accountability, have an estimated fee of Ksh130,000 per year.
Budget and Charter Approval
To support the initial costs of establishing physical facilities, teaching materials, and learner support services, the committee recommended a budget of Ksh1.8 billion for the OUK’s first year of operation. This budget allocation was justified as it would allow the university to meet the necessary requirements and ensure a quality learning experience.
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The Charter for the OUK was approved by the Commission for University of Education (CUE) and subsequently endorsed by President William Ruto. The establishment of the OUK has been recognized as a strategically important initiative for the nation, further affirmed by the Cabinet’s approval.
Conclusion
The launch of the National Open University of Kenya represents a significant milestone in the country’s higher education landscape. By embracing technology and innovative learning approaches, the OUK will provide accessible, flexible, and quality education to a diverse range of learners, empowering them with the knowledge and skills needed for personal and professional growth.
