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About Open University of Kenya

Learn about the mission, leadership, and institutional history of the Open University of Kenya.

Established to provide flexible, affordable, and high-quality online education, the Open University of Kenya is at the forefront of digital transformation in higher education. Our mission is to democratize education through innovation and accessibility.

OUK at a glance

2023
Year chartered
24/7
Learning access
100%
Digital admissions
47
Counties reached

Philosophy

The Open University of Kenya is established to provide education to all, building on prior learning. Education is continuous and every person has a right to education. We are committed to making it accessible to all who need it regardless of where they are. The Open University of Kenya breaks down boundaries and barriers to learning in all their forms. We use technology to mitigate the effects of geographical, economic and social barriers. We subscribe to the philosophy that quality education makes human beings equal.

Vision

Innovative University for Inclusive Prosperity

Mission

To provide affordable, flexible and equitable quality learning experiences that empower learners with knowledge, skills and values to become innovative researchers, leaders, entrepreneurs and global citizens.

Core values

Excellence

We uphold the highest standards in teaching, research and service delivery. We are committed to consistently providing high-quality education while fostering a culture of continuous improvement. We embrace academic rigour, promote innovative learning, and prioritise institutional efficiency to ensure we set benchmarks for excellence in all areas of our work.

Inclusivity

We embrace inclusivity by ensuring that education is accessible to all, regardless of location, socio-economic background or personal circumstances. We are committed to breaking down barriers to learning, providing every student with the opportunity to succeed. Through fostering an open, diverse and supportive environment, we promote equity and create equal opportunities for all learners to thrive academically and personally.

Innovation

As a tech-forward institution, we place innovation at the core of our academic and operational strategies. We embrace new technologies, pedagogies and research methodologies to offer cutting-edge education that meets the evolving needs of society, ensuring that we remain adaptive and responsive to the ever-changing educational landscape.

Integrity

We embrace the highest ethical standards, ensuring transparency, accountability, and fairness in all our decisions and actions. We foster an environment of honesty and trust, where students, staff and stakeholders rely on ethical practices and values to guide their actions and interactions.

Principal activities

The principal activity of the University is to provide higher education and generate knowledge for digital transformation through research, innovation, training and outreach.

Other objectives and functions

  1. 01Advance and disseminate knowledge through open, digital and flexible learning via teaching, research, seminars and other relevant means.
  2. 02Provide high-quality university and professional education and promote the educational well-being of the community.
  3. 03Expand access to higher education opportunities in Kenya and globally.
  4. 04Deliver inclusive, transformative and lifelong education, including adult and continuing education.
  5. 05Offer a multilevel education and training system responsive to community needs, with recognition of prior learning and flexible progression across educational levels.
  6. 06Empower students to acquire knowledge, skills and values that foster personal and professional transformation.
  7. 07Promote critical inquiry, innovation and commercialization for societal benefit.
  8. 08Advance the practical application of knowledge through research, innovation and technological development.
  9. 09Stimulate intellectual growth and contribute to social, economic, cultural, scientific and technological advancement.
  10. 10Develop and offer degree, diploma and certificate programmes.
  11. 11Provide adequate facilities and resources for innovative teaching, research and extracurricular engagement.
  12. 12Build institutional excellence in teaching, research, entrepreneurship, consultancy and community service, with a strong focus on technology and its application.
  13. 13Establish academic partnerships and linkages with universities, research institutions and industry.

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