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OUK SEEKS PARTNERSHIP WITH THE KENYA SCHOOL OF TVET

The Open University of Kenya (OUK) is seeking a strategic partnership with the Kenya School of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (KSTVET) to ensure a seamless transition for diploma students into degree programmes. Speaking during a courtesy call at KSTVET, OUK Vice-Chancellor Prof. Elijah Omwenga said the collaboration would focus on co-creation of content, sharing of infrastructure, laboratories and workshops, development of technology-oriented programmes, continuous professional development courses, pedagogy training as well as joint research and innovation.

“We are very motivated to work together because this partnership makes it easy for us to strengthen capacity and provide more opportunities for learners. While OUK delivers programmes fully online, we recognize that technical courses require significant practical work. That is why collaboration with institutions like KSTVET is key in enhancing the practical aspects of our programmes,” said Prof. Omwenga.

Standing Left: KSTVET Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Edwin Tarno and OUK Vice-Chancellor Prof. Elijah Omwenga

He noted that OUK has invested in cutting-edge infrastructure including virtual laboratories, AI tutors and learning management systems that can support 20,000 concurrent users. “Our Vision is “The Innovative University for Inclusive Prosperity.” We provide flexible and affordable access to education by breaking barriers of time, space, access, availability, affordability and quality,” he added.

The Vice-Chancellor further highlighted the University’s ongoing partnerships with leading global institutions such as Indira Gandhi National Open UniversityOpen University of ChinaHuawei Kenyathe World Bank, and local institutions including the Kenya School of Government and Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO). He revealed that the University is set to launch new programmes such as the Bachelor of Nursing tailored for Diploma and Certificate holders already working in health institutions and a Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership and Accountability.

KSTVET Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Edwin Tarno, welcomed the proposed collaboration, noting that logistics, space and cost have often limited training opportunities for many learners. “Partnering with OUK will give us a chance to expand practical training while also leveraging online delivery to reach more students efficiently,” Dr. Tarno said.

KSTVET Staff pose for a picture with their counterparts from OUK

On her part, OUK Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Affairs, Prof. Carolyne Omulando, emphasized the importance of continuous professional development, especially in online pedagogy. She said the University had already developed professional development courses in e-learning essentials, online assessment and online facilitation pedagogy to build capacity among lecturers and tutors.

“This collaboration will not only strengthen our own programmes but also provide a wider pool of professional development opportunities for teachers, lecturers and trainers across the TVET sector,” Prof. Omulando noted.

Both institutions expressed optimism that the partnership will create a stronger pathway for Diploma students to progress to degree studies while also contributing to the national goal of expanding access to quality, affordable and flexible higher education and training.

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About

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.