PARLIAMENTARY EDUCATION COMMITTEE COMMENDS OUK'S GROWTH
30th October 2024 – Nairobi, Kenya
The Open University of Kenya (OUK) today welcomed a high-level delegation from the Parliamentary Education Committee for an oversight visit. Led by the Chairperson, Hon. Julius Melly, the Committee reviewed the University’s operations and discussed its progress in areas including digital infrastructure, student enrollment growth, curriculum development, funding strategies, international expansion, ERP system implementation, marketing, leadership stability among others.
Prof. Ezra Maritim, the Chairperson of Council, giving his remarks
In a formal interaction with the OUK Council represented by the Chairperson, Prof. Ezra Maritim, as well as to Management and Senate members led by the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Elijah Omwenga, the Parliamentary Committee acknowledged the University's impressive advancements. They lauded the University for its commitment to digital learning and emphasized the need to further enhance its offerings and reach.
Commending the institution’s strides in technology-enabled learning, the Committee noted that the University now enrolls students across 18 countries, highlighting its success in reaching a global audience. Additionally, the University is poised to launch more than 20 new programmes across Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD levels, further broadening its academic offerings and addressing diverse educational needs.
Vice Chancellor, Prof. Elijah Omwenga, while giving a presentation about OUK
The Committee presented a series of recommendations aimed at fostering OUK’s continued growth and accessibility. Key among these were suggestions to:
- Introduce more programmes tailored to specialized groups and emerging industries.
- Ensure flexibility and affordability in programme offerings to broaden access, particularly in remote regions.
- Intensify marketing efforts to raise OUK’s profile across Kenya and in regional and international markets.
- Formalize appointments within the top leadership to establish long-term stability and continuity.
The Committee’s visit and recommendations mark a significant endorsement of OUK’s role in transforming higher education through digital means and its commitment to accessible, flexible, and affordable higher education for all.