WHAT YOU NEED

TO KNOW

An innovative
University for
inclusive prosperity
THE OPEN UNIVERSITY OF KENYA
What you need to know

1 Background
The establishment of the Open University of Kenya represents a culmination of
governmental efforts spanning over a decade, aimed at reforming education for
accessibility, equity, quality, and relevance since Kenya's independence in 1963.

The University was chartered on 3rd August 2023, by His Excellency President Dr. William
Ruto, as a Specialized Public University, pursuant to section 24(1)(b) of the Universities
Amendment Act (No. 42 of 2012). The Open University of Kenya aims to revolutionize
higher education by breaking down barriers such as cost, previous exam grades, and
geographical location, hence ensuring accessibility to education for all members of
society. It aligns with government commitments under Sustainable Development Goals
and African Union Agenda 2063, leveraging technology to deliver education.

2 Why the Open University of Kenya?

Flexibility

The flexibility of open learning, which allows students to learn at their own time and place, is
attractive and convenient, especially for those who are occupied in regular employment or work.

Innovative Teaching and Learning

The Open University of Kenya aims to address the pressing issue of limited capacity in
traditional universities by employing innovative teaching and learning methodologies, including
online and distance education. By leveraging technology and flexible learning modes, the
University seeks to accommodate a larger number of qualified students, enabling them to
pursue higher education without the constraints of physical presence and limited campus
capacities. This initiative aligns with global trends in higher education that recognizes the
transformative potential of open and distance learning.

Fostering Knowledge among Citizens

The establishment of the Open University of Kenya reflects the government's commitment to
fostering a knowledge-based society, where education is a tool for personal advancement and
national progress. As the University sets out to provide accessible, flexible, and quality
education, it is anticipated to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of higher education in
Kenya and beyond.

Inclusivity

The establishment of Open University of Kenya seeks to increase access to university

education. This would enable those who missed earlier opportunities or face barriers such as
formal grades, age, capacity to pay, gender, or geographical location to access education and
training for employment and nation-building.

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 THE OPEN UNIVERSITY OF KENYA
What you need to know

3 What is Unique about OUK?

The Open University of Kenya (OUK) stands out as a unique institution for several reasons:

Framework of Openness Recognition of prior Learning

True to its name, OUK is dedicated to
providing open access to learning
opportunities. It advocates for flexibility and
inclusivity in admission, study progression,
locations, and methods, accommodating
those balancing work and study or pursuing
lifelong learning without age, gender, or
financial constraints.
OUK embraces inclusive education, departing from
the exclusionary norms of traditional approaches. It
advocates for universal access to higher education,
rejecting the notion of "school dropout" and
academic grades as barriers. Instead, it implements
measures to acknowledge Prior Learning
experiences.

Flexibility Affordability

OUK is seen as an enabling institution that
recognizes education as a continuous
process. It offers a flexible approach where
individuals can take a break from their
studies during challenges and resume when
circumstances allow. This flexibility extends
to the learning pace, allowing learners to
choose the number of courses they can
handle and pay for, unlike conventional
universities where on-campus students often
have a fixed course load per semester.
To address the steep expenses associated with
higher education, OUK has designed its programs
with substantially reduced fees in comparison to
traditional universities. OUK students pay roughly
one-third of the fees charged by conventional
universities. For instance, the annual tuition for a
Bachelor of Economics and Statistics at the Open
University of Kenya is Kshs 105,000, whereas it
costs Kshs 270,000 in most public university in
Kenya. Moreover, the flexible learning options allow
learners to spread courses over time, maximizing
cost-effectiveness.

4 Programs Offered
The Commission for University Education has accredited seven (7) flagship programs, consisting of five
undergraduate degrees and two postgraduate diploma programs, for offering in the current academic year.

These programs are:

1. Bachelor of Data Science
2. Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics
3. Bachelor of Technology Education
4. Bachelor of Business and Entrepreneurship
5. Bachelor of Economics and Statistics
6. Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership and Accountability
7. Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Design and Technology

Additional programs will be continuously developed and incorporated into the OUK curriculum every year,
aligning with the country's needs and the preferences of learners as outlined in the OUK Strategic Plan.

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 THE OPEN UNIVERSITY OF KENYA
What you need to know
5 Programme Duration
4 academic
years
Bachelor's programs
Students will enjoy the flexibility of studying at their preferred pace, allowing them
to take a reduced number of course units if desired.
6 Student
Funding
Thanks to the funding model
implemented by the Government
to finance higher education, OUK
learners have access to the
same funding opportunities as
students in other public
universities.
The students are eligible for
funding both from Universities
Fund (UF) and Higher Education
Loans Board (HELB). This
includes scholarships and loans
categorized into four groups:
vulnerable, extremely needy,
needy, and less needy.
Eligibility for government funding
is determined by the Mean
Testing Instrument criteria,
allowing learners to apply for and
receive financial support to aid
their studies.
3
1 academic
year
Postgraduate Diploma
Minimum Entry
7
Requirements
To be eligible to join the Open University of Kenya for
undergraduate programs, applicants must meet one of the
following minimum entrance requirements:
a. A mean grade of C+ and above at KCSE where applicable
or its equivalent using a criteria that the senate may
determine OR,
b. Diplomas or professional qualifications from recognized
institutions OR,
c. KCSE certificate or equivalent and a certificate of
foundation or bridging courses from recognized
institutions OR,
d. Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education with a minimum
of 1 principal and subsidiary passe(s) OR,
e. Evidence of KCSE certificate or equivalent and a portfolio
for the purpose of recognition of Prior Learning
determination with respect to:
i. Workplace training of 2years OR
ii. Work experience in a relevant field of 2 years OR
iii. Two short courses lasting at least 3 months each in
relevant fields OR
f. Any other qualifications that may be determined by
Senate recognizing Prior Learning leading to equivalents
of the identified criteria, experience and skills of learners
OR
g. A Bachelor’s degree from an institution recognized by
Senate.
These eligibility criteria provide multiple pathways for
individuals to access higher education at the Open University
of Kenya, ensuring inclusivity and flexibility in admissions.
THE OPEN UNIVERSITY OF KENYA
What you need to know

8 Admission to programmes
For admission to OUK, individuals have two pathways:
a) KUCCPS admission portal
Applicants with KCSE qualifications can apply via KUCCPS
portal https://ouk.kuccps.net/,
b) OUK admission portal
Applicants who seek for recognition of Prior Learning can apply
via OUK Portal https://admissions.ouk.ac.ke/login.

NOTE: Admission to OUK is ongoing and flexible, allowing applicants to

apply at any time they are prepared to join the institution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the minimum admission requirements for
undergraduate programs at the Open University of
Kenya?
The minimum requirements include a mean grade of C+
and above at KCSE (Kenya Certificate of Secondary
Education) or its equivalent. Alternatively, applicants with
diplomas, professional qualifications, on job experience
and Prior Learning, or other qualifications recognized by
the Senate are eligible.
2. Can I apply with a KCSE certificate alone, or do I need
additional qualifications?
While a KCSE certificate is accepted, you may also need
to provide a certificate of completion for foundation or
Prior Learning courses from recognized institutions to
meet the eligibility criteria.
3. Is work experience considered for admission?
Yes, work experience can be considered for admission.
You can provide evidence of two years of work
experience in a relevant field as part of your application.
4. Are there specific short courses I need to complete
for admission?
Yes, one is expected to complete relevant short courses if
Prior Learning recognition is the basis of admission.
5. Can I apply if I have a bachelor's degree from another
institution?
Yes, you can be admitted based on an earlier acquired
degree.
6. Are there any age restrictions for admission?
OUK is a university for all without age, gender, location
restrictions.
7. Is there financial aid or scholarships available for
eligible students?
Yes, government sponsored students are eligible for
Higher Education Funds both from Universities Fund and
Higher Education Loans Board as any other Kenyan
student.
8. How does the admission process work for Open
Universities in general?
Admission applications are reviewed and students placed
in the rightful programme / level of study.
9. How do I apply for admission to the Open University of
Kenya?
Students can apply through the Kenya Universities and
Colleges Central Placement Services (KUCCPS)
admission portal dedicated for OUK (ouk.kuccps.net) if they
have KCSE qualifications, or using OUK admission portal
(admissions.ouk.ac.ke) if they wish to be considered for
admission based on recognition of Prior Learning.
10. Are there Application deadlines for admission?
Admission applications will be continuous without any
deadlines. Students will be put in cohorts depending on the
programmes for ease of administration of the programmes.
It's important to check the university's website
(https://ouk.ac.ke/) for specific instructions.
11. Can International Students apply for admission at
OUK?
Yes, international students are welcome to apply. However,
they should review specific admission requirements for
international applicants and may need to provide additional
documentation, such as proof of English proficiency.
12. What is the mode of Study at OUK?
OUK is a virtual University offering programmes online
using Moodle Learning Management System (LMS).
Students asynchronously access high quality interactive
courseware at their own time and pace. However, a few
synchronous lectures and tutorials can be offered at flexible
time slots to students.
13. What Progress has been made as at January 2024?
The University has been established. Over 2500 students
have expressed interest to join the university. Of this
number, 2100 have met the qualifications and have been
admitted into the various degree programmes. Eight
hundred and twenty-four (824) students have enrolled and
are learning.

info@ouk.ac.ke +254 20 2000 211/2 Konza Technopolis https://ouk.ac.ke/