Open University Of Kenya (OUK): Degree programs, Costs
The Open University of Kenya (OUK), the nation’s inaugural fully virtual university, has introduced five innovative degree programs. Just recently, President William Ruto awarded a charter to this government-funded institution, to be situated in Konza, Machakos County.
Through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), the university declared that applications for the degree programs and two postgraduate diploma courses are open from Monday.
The offered degree programs include a Bachelor of Data Science, a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics, a Bachelor of Technology Education, a Bachelor of Business and Entrepreneurship, and a Bachelor of Economics and Statistics.
Additionally, there are postgraduate programs: a Diploma in Leadership and Accountability, and a Diploma in Learning Design and Technology. Both degree and postgraduate diploma programs consist of 12 to 14 course units per academic year.
Completing a postgraduate program takes one year, while bachelor’s degree programs span four years. Nevertheless, students have the flexibility to pursue single course units at their own pace through an alternative flexible mode, potentially extending the duration.
Full-time undergraduate study at OUK costs KSh. 105,000 per year, except for the Bachelor of Technology Education degree which is priced at KSh. 115,000 per year. The cost for a postgraduate diploma program for a single academic year is Ksh 110,000.
Under the new higher education financing model, the government secured a 15 percent discount with universities, incorporated into the annual cost of pursuing a degree. Students can also opt to pay for and take individual course units at Ksh 10,000 per unit. Students from outside East Africa will pay an additional 10% for all programs and course units.
Dr. Agnes Mercy Wahome, the CEO of KUCCPS, emphasized that applications through the KUCCPS portal are free and without a deadline, reflecting the unique learning model of the Open University. Minimum admission requirements for undergraduate courses involve a KCSE or equivalent certificate and a portfolio showcasing prior learning.
President Ruto has lauded the virtual university as a “game-changer,” addressing the issue of limited access to higher education in remote regions. Despite the combined capacity of the country’s 41 public and 37 private universities accommodating over 650,000 students, there’s a persistent demand-supply gap.
To tackle this, the establishment of a national open university aims to enhance accessibility and affordability of higher education.
President Ruto revealed that over 100 billion Kenyan shillings were invested in constructing the facility. He highlighted the significance of the power generation facility and other infrastructure components. James Mwangi, Equity Group’s CEO, serves as OUK’s chancellor, with Prof. Elijah Omwenga fulfilling the role of vice-chancellor.
Open University Of Kenya (OUK): Degree programs, Costs
