President Ruto Awards Charter To Kenya's First Virtual University

President William Ruto has awarded a charter to the Open University of Kenya (OUK). 

The Head of State issued the charter during a function on Thursday, August 3 at the university’s grounds in Konza Technopolies City in Machakos County.

"Whereas the Cabinet Secretary for Education has submitted the charter to me with recommendation there on and whereas Parliament has approved the establishment of the said Open University of Kenya, in accordance with the requirements of the universities, act 2012. I William Samoei Ruto, President, and Commander in Chief of the Armed forces, of the Republic of Kenya I am satisfied that the awarding of charter to the Open University of Kenya, will be of benefit to the advancement of University Education in Kenya," Ruto said.

He added, “In exercise of the powers conferred on me by Section 24 (1b) of the University Act, I William Samoei Ruto, President and commander of Armed Forces of the Republic of Kenya, hereby award the charter to the Open University of Kenya on August 3, 2023 and wish the university a great success.”

Ruto at the same time noted that the OUK will be an institution for farmers, herdsmen, and common Kenyans as they can now access education in the comfort of their working places and homes.

“It is indeed the people’s university, wherever you are, whatever you are doing you can be in a university class by simply logging in,” the President asserted.

The open university which will be managed by the Jomo Kenyatta University of Arts and Technology (JKUAT) will offer both virtual and physical classes.

The institution will offer Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics, Bachelor in Technology Education, and Bachelor of Data Science courses.

Professor Ezra Maritim will be the Open University of Kenya's council chair.