Ruto: Why I appointed Equity CEO James Mwangi as OUK chancellor

President William Ruto on Thursday launched the Open University of Kenya (OUK), the country's first fully-virtual university which will be based in the Konza metropolis, Machakos County.

Speaking after awarding the government-funded varsity its Charter, Ruto termed it a proud moment to see a project he has wanted since his days as the Higher Education Minister come to life.

“When I began this process when I was minister for Higher Education, I wanted to complete it within a year but I couldn’t because of the circumstances then and I am happy we made this a part of the Kenya Kwanza commitment,” said Ruto. “It is a very proud moment for me to see this coming to fruition.”

The Head of State explained why he appointed Equity Group CEO James Mwangi as the University's Chancellor.

“I didn’t give you options to say No because I have seen your passion for education. I am proud that we will be prouder of your stewardship as chancellor of the Open University of Kenya,” said Ruto.

“I was very specific when I told Education CS Ezekiel Machogu who the chancellor should be.”

Ruto described the virtual university as a game-changer that will see people who would ordinarily not have access to a university education get it from very remote parts of the country. 

According to President Ruto, the setting up of a national open university is an intervention to increase access while reducing the cost of university education in order to finally deliver his government's plan of a 100 per cent transition to higher education.

He said over Ksh.100 billion went into setting up the facility.

“The power generation facility alone is like Ksh.1.9 billion, together with all the other pieces of infrastructure that have gone here,” said the president.

Information, Communication and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo Monday said the university is in line with the government's ambition of creating a digital superhighway to enable the seamless delivery of its services. 

It is set to facilitate digital skilling and training for Kenyans to acquire optimal levels of ICT skills.

"The University also offers postgraduate diplomas in Leadership and Accountability as well as Learning Design and Technology. I have been assured that in coming years, master's and doctorate programmes will be introduced," President Ruto said Thursday.