Joy as Open University of Kenya Holds Inaugural Graduation Ceremony

From left: The Chairman of Council, Prof. Ezra Maritim, the Chancellor, Dr. James Mwangi, CBS, the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Hon. Julius Migos Ogamba and the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Elijah Omwenga during the Inaugural Graduation Ceremony of the Open University of Kenya held at Konza Technopolis on Friday, November 29, 2024.

The Open University of Kenya (OUK) marked a significant milestone in its history by holding its inaugural Graduation Ceremony on Friday November 29, 2024. The event, held at the Konza Technopolis grounds in Machakos/Makueni counties, celebrated the achievements of the first cohort of students admitted since the institution’s establishment.
The Ceremony was presided over by the Chancellor, Dr. James Mwangi, who awarded Postgraduate Diplomas to seventy-eight (78) graduands mainly from the School of Business and Economics and the School of Education. In his address, the Chancellor expressed pride in the institution's ability to empower learners through flexible and technology-driven education, reiterating OUK’s commitment to producing globally competitive graduates.

Graduands reciting the Alma Mata Pledge

The event was also graced by the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Hon. Julius Migos Ogamba. The CS lauded the University for its innovative approach to education and its role in expanding access to higher learning in Kenya. He emphasized the importance of open learning in bridging educational gaps and called on the graduates to be ambassadors of change in their respective fields.
In his speech, the Chairman of Council, Prof. Ezra Maritim, emphasized the significance of the Graduation’s Theme, "Integrating Knowledge and Innovation to Transform Society". 
“Our mission is to leverage technology and innovative learning methodologies to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to transform their lives and contribute to society,” he noted.
He further articulated that the University’s strategic priorities align with Kenya’s national development goals and global education standards which include expanding access to higher education, driving digital transformation, enhancing quality and relevance, fostering research and innovation as well as forging partnerships and collaborations.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Elijah Omwenga, highlighted the progress the University has made since its inception in August, 2023. He noted that OUK had, so far, admitted over 3,800 students to critical high-impact programmes. Of these students, over 2,300 have enrolled. 
In addition, as Kenya’s first fully online public university, OUK is enabling students from across the country and beyond to access higher education without the limitations of traditional brick-and-mortar institutions. This is exemplified by the diverse pool of students from eighteen (18) countries, for example: Korea, Tanzania, South Africa, Lesotho and Uganda.
The University also prides itself in having implemented advanced ICT infrastructure, including modern learning technologies and a digital library to give a fulfilling learning experience that targets students from all corners of the country and beyond. 
“The state-of-the-art SOMAS Learning Management System has revolutionized how education is delivered and experienced. Students have been empowered to learn at their own pace, leveraging interactive content, online discussions and seamless access to academic resources,” he said.
This landmark event not only celebrated the accomplishments of the graduating class but also underscored OUK’s mission to democratize higher education and provide lifelong learning opportunities to all Kenyans.
OUK extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2024 and looks forward to witnessing their contributions to society and the global economy.

 

Graduands reciting the Alma Mata Pledge

The event was also graced by the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Hon. Julius Migos Ogamba. The CS lauded the University for its innovative approach to education and its role in expanding access to higher learning in Kenya. He emphasized the importance of open learning in bridging educational gaps and called on the graduates to be ambassadors of change in their respective fields.
In his speech, the Chairman of Council, Prof. Ezra Maritim, emphasized the significance of the Graduation’s Theme, "Integrating Knowledge and Innovation to Transform Society". 
“Our mission is to leverage technology and innovative learning methodologies to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to transform their lives and contribute to society,” he noted.
He further articulated that the University’s strategic priorities align with Kenya’s national development goals and global education standards which include expanding access to higher education, driving digital transformation, enhancing quality and relevance, fostering research and innovation as well as forging partnerships and collaborations.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Elijah Omwenga, highlighted the progress the University has made since its inception in August, 2023. He noted that OUK had, so far, admitted over 3,800 students to critical high-impact programmes. Of these students, over 2,300 have enrolled. 
In addition, as Kenya’s first fully online public university, OUK is enabling students from across the country and beyond to access higher education without the limitations of traditional brick-and-mortar institutions. This is exemplified by the diverse pool of students from eighteen (18) countries, for example: Korea, Tanzania, South Africa, Lesotho and Uganda.
The University also prides itself in having implemented advanced ICT infrastructure, including modern learning technologies and a digital library to give a fulfilling learning experience that targets students from all corners of the country and beyond. 
“The state-of-the-art SOMAS Learning Management System has revolutionized how education is delivered and experienced. Students have been empowered to learn at their own pace, leveraging interactive content, online discussions and seamless access to academic resources,” he said.
This landmark event not only celebrated the accomplishments of the graduating class but also underscored OUK’s mission to democratize higher education and provide lifelong learning opportunities to all Kenyans.
OUK extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2024 and looks forward to witnessing their contributions to society and the global economy.