First Kenyan virtual varsity admits in September

Following ratification by Parliament earlier this month, President William Ruto is anticipated to grant the first open university in Kenya with a charter on Wednesday.

The Open University of Kenya‘s (OUK) charter will provide it the legal right to operate.

After everything is finished, as previously anticipated, the first intake of students will begin in September, with a projected enrollment of 7,100 pupils.

At a special board meeting on June 7, 2023, the Commission for University Education (CUE) had already approved recommendations for the creation of the OUK.

They were based on findings from an institutional examination that took place on June 2 and 3, 2023, at the OUK’s temporary location in the Nacosti Building.

“The commission in its deliberations appreciated the uniqueness of the proposed Open University of Kenya, being the first university [in Kenya] to be established without being mentored by an existing university, hence lack of a governing organ to incur expenses,” the letter, signed by CUE CEO Mike Kuria, states.

The Konza Technopolis will serve as the permanent home of the virtual university.

In contrast to other traditional public colleges, the President will choose the council’s head. However, the CS for Education will designate the vice chancellor based on the council’s proposal.

The OUK’s remaining framework will resemble a traditional university. The national budget for 2022–2023 included Ksh270 million for the university.