Open University of Kenya Launches 10 New Academic Programmes to Meet Industry Needs
The Open University of Kenya (OUK) has launched 10 new academic programmes to cater to the evolving needs of industries and technological advancements in the country.
Expanding Academic Offerings
The announcement was made at OUK’s unveiling ceremony, presided over by Acting Vice Chancellor Professor Elijah Omwenga on Monday.
Among the newly introduced academic courses are:
- Bachelor of Agricultural Technology and Food Systems
- Bachelor of Economics and Data Science
- Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Computing
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master in Learning Sign and Technology
- Master of Data Science
- Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence
- Master of Science in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics
- Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration
OUK is also rolling out eight professional development courses, including:
- Mental Health Awareness
- Gender and Diversity
- Emotional Intelligence
- Corporate Governance
- Business Modelling for Entrepreneurs
- Accountability Fundamentals
- E-learning Essentials for Online Engagement
- Online Assessment
Strengthening Digital Education and Overcoming Challenges
Prof. Omwenga highlighted that these programmes would increase student enrolment and further establish OUK as a leader in digital education.
However, he acknowledged financial constraints as a key challenge in hiring and compensating faculty members.
“We have faced challenges with financial resources, especially when paying experts. Professors demand high salaries, and we have had to negotiate mutual agreements to facilitate their participation in the university’s growth,” said Prof. Omwenga.
He remains optimistic that the financial burden will ease as more students enroll in the newly introduced programmes.
Market-Driven Curriculum Development
Speaking at the event, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Carolyne Omulando, emphasized that extensive consultations were undertaken to align the new programmes with market demands and technological evolution.
“We ensured that these programmes align with market demands and technological evolution. This commitment to relevance and quality underscores OUK’s dedication to providing accessible, high-quality education through digital learning,” said Prof. Omulando.
Enrolment Growth and Future Prospects
Since its inception in 2023, OUK has enrolled 2,500 students, and this number is expected to grow significantly with the introduction of the new programmes.
With a strong focus on digital education and innovation, OUK continues to bridge the gap between academia and industry needs, ensuring graduates are equipped with relevant skills for the modern workforce.
