The Open University of Kenya (OUK) has enrolled over 2,500 students from 18 different countries within just one year and four months since its launch. This milestone highlights the growing demand for flexible, accessible, and quality higher education in Kenya and beyond.
Speaking during the unveiling of the China-Africa Regional Cooperation Centre for Digital Education and Open University of China’s Open Learning Centre Future Academy Programme at the university’s Konza Technopolis campus, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC) Prof. Caroline Omulando expressed optimism about OUK’s rapid growth and global reach.
“This is a new university in Kenya, barely one year and four months into operation since it was launched and chartered by President William Ruto on August 3, 2023, to offer various academic programs,” said Prof. Omulando.
A Global Student Base and Strategic Partnerships
OUK’s diverse student body comes from 18 countries, including Switzerland, the Netherlands, Nigeria, and Ghana. The university’s model, founded on affordability, inclusivity, accessibility, and quality, has positioned it as a preferred choice for learners across the globe.
The recent collaboration between OUK, Donghua University, and the Open University of China (OUC) marks a significant step towards enhancing digital education. The partnership includes the establishment of the China-Africa Regional Cooperation Centre for Digital Education and the Open Learning Centre for Future Academy Programmes.
Prof. Omulando emphasized the benefits of this alliance, stating, “As we look into the collaboration between the three universities, we are delighted as a university because this collaboration aligns well with the focus of OUK. We now have an opportunity to expand our reach beyond Kenya, into East Africa, Africa, and globally.”
Enhancing Quality and Capacity Building
With OUC boasting a student population of over 4 million, OUK anticipates significant learning opportunities in advancing its teaching methodologies through technology. Prof. Omulando noted that the collaboration will focus on co-creating both academic and non-academic programs tailored to meet the evolving needs of society.
Additionally, the partnership aims to facilitate capacity building among OUK’s teaching and non-teaching staff. “We are young as a university, and by working with OUC, a well-established institution, we hope to learn and implement best practices that will drive our growth and allow us to accommodate even more students,” she added.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, OUK aims to leverage this collaboration to strengthen its position as a leader in digital education. Prof. Omulando expressed confidence that within five years, the university will have established strong academic centers, expanded its course offerings, and enhanced its technological capabilities to cater to an even larger student population.
As OUK continues to grow, its commitment to providing quality education remains unwavering, reinforcing Kenya’s position as a hub for digital and distance learning in Africa.
