Prof. Elijah I. Omwenga Appointed Vice-Chancellor of Open University of Kenya

Prof. Elijah I. Omwenga Appointed Vice-Chancellor of Open University of Kenya

Latest News / April 22, 2025

Konza Technopolis, Kenya – 17th April 2025
 

Prof. Elijah I. Omwenga has been appointed as the Vice-Chancellor of the University effective 17th April 2025. The announcement was made through an official notice issued by the Chairman of the University Council, Prof. Ezra K. Maritim.
 

The appointment was made in accordance with the provisions of the Universities Act 2012, specifically Section 35 (1)(v) and Section 39 (1)(a), which empower the University Council to appoint a Vice-Chancellor.
 

Prof. Omwenga has been serving as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the institution for over one and a half years, during which he provided critical leadership in the establishment and growth of the University. His appointment marks a key milestone in the institutional development of Kenya’s first fully online public university.

“Prof. Omwenga brings a wealth of experience in academia, ICT and higher education leadership,” said Prof. Maritim. “His track record in stabilizing and leading the Open University of Kenya through its early stages, coupled with his previous role as Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs at the University of Kabianga, makes him ideally suited to take OUK into its next phase of growth.”
 

Prof. Omwenga is a seasoned scholar with expertise in Computer Science and a firm grasp of virtual learning ecosystems. He has been instrumental in steering the University’s digital-first approach and supporting its alignment with Kenya’s broader education and development goals.
 

The Chairman urged all members of staff and students to extend their full support to the incoming Vice-Chancellor to ensure the continued success and stability of the institution.

“As he assumes office, I urge everyone to support him in advancing OUK’s growth and strategic objectives. I also take this opportunity to wish the OUK community a joyful Easter and continued success in their engagement with the University,” added Prof. Maritim.

Prof. Omwenga’s appointment underscores the University’s commitment to transformative, accessible and technology-driven education as it cements its role as a trailblazer in Kenya’s higher education sector.

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The Open University of Kenya (OUK) is a virtual learning institution deeply committed to advancing education and driving socio-economic growth within Kenya and beyond. Access to higher education has remained a major challenge in Kenya and this has disadvantaged citizens who seek to improve their knowledge, upscale skills and for posterity. Experts have noted that increasing the number of educational institutions so as to match the rate of population growth is an extremely difficult if not impossible solution especially when financial and other resource constraints are considered. Open and Distance Learning approaches, coupled with innovative ICT solutions, have proofed viable alternatives to providing excellent education to millions of people located wherever and whenever by different life circumstances.