Open University Of Kenya Holds Its Inaugural Graduation

The Open University of Kenya (OUK), located at Konza Technopolis, held its inaugural graduation ceremony, one year after its formation. The fully fledged digital university, the first of its kind in the region, graduated 78 graduands, where 57 students were awarded Postgraduate Diploma qualification in Leadership and Accountability from the School of Business and Economics and 21 others in Learning Design and Technology from the School of Education.

“Our commitment to education aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4 which touches on equitable and sustainable access to education for all. OUK was formed to eliminate barriers of distance, cost and time, opening higher education to all regardless of their location, socio-economic status and nationalities,” Julius Migos Ogambo, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Education said while presiding over the graduation.

Themed “Integrating Knowledge and Information to Transform Society”, the graduation aligns with OUK’s vision of offering accessible, affordable and an inclusive platform for higher education open to all from within and without the country.

OUK was launched in August last year by President William Ruto, becoming the first university which offers all its courses through digital learning. Currently, the university has over 3,000 students from different parts of the country and also outside the country, pursuing over 15 courses (listen to the Chancellor/VC statement to confirm this bit). The university is offering undergraduate degrees in 5 flagship programs and Postgraduate diploma in 2 flagship programs.

“OUK is established to provide inclusive, flexible and affordable higher education and because of this we have over 3,000 students from 18 countries, a testament that education no longer be confined to brick and mortar or national boundaries,” James Mwangi, the Chancellor said during the graduation. Mr. Mwangi who is the Group CEO of Equity Bank Group noted that the university is a catalyst for transformation embodying the dreams of students in remote villages, busy cities, and across the borders”

OUK is currently one of the 3 institutions of higher learning located in Konza Technopolis, also known as the Silicon Savannah. The other two are the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (Ke-AIST) and Riara University currently under construction and expected to start off its operation early next year.

“As one OUK’s strategic partners, we are particularly excited because you are enabling us to achieve one of the primary strategic enablers for Silicon Savannah potential, which is using education to advance the country move to a digital driven economy,” John Paul Okwiri (OGW), Konza CEO said during the ceremony.

The knowledge and skills acquired by the graduates will be crucial in contributing towards the realization of he Kenya’s Vision 2030, which aims to transform Kenya into an industrialized, middle-income nation.