Public participation, through the establishment of Education Commissions and Task Forces, has played a role in identifying the challenges facing the education sector. However, the mainstreaming of distance learning, as a means to increase access to higher education, has been underdeveloped and underfunded in Kenya, despite the establishment of the African Virtual University in 1997.The need for increased access to higher education has been recognized for decades in Kenya, with the government investing significantly in higher education for training and research. The establishment of an open university has been proposed as a means to break conventional barriers and provide opportunities for more Kenyans to access 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. The flexibility of distance learning, which allow students to learn at their own time and place, is seen as attractive and convenient, especially for those who are occupied in regular or vulnerable work. The establishment of a Kenyan Open University has been considered in various policy documents and reports, with a focus on providing opportunities for those who qualify through the formal system but are unable to secure places in traditional universities.

On a significant note, the vision for an Open University in Kenya came to fruition on August 3, 2023, when the institution was awarded a Charter by the Honorable President of Kenya, Dr. William Samoei Ruto. The charter ceremony took place at Konza Metropolis, located in Machakos County. This event marked a crucial milestone in the educational landscape of Kenya and affirmed the commitment of the government to expand higher education opportunities beyond the conventional brick- and-mortar universities.

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 recognize the transformative potential of open and distance learning. It allows individuals from diverse backgrounds and geographic locations to access education and skills development, contributing to social and economic development on both local and national scales.

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.