Photos: Ruto unveils Kenya's first virtual university at Konza

President Willaim Ruto (left) award charter to Open University of Kenya leadership during official unveiling of Kenya's first virtual university in Konza technopolis, Machakos County on Thursday, August 3. [Stephen Nzioka, Standard]

President William Ruto has officially unveiled Kenya's first virtual university on Thursday, August 3.

This follows the approval by Parliament in July 2023.

Open University of Kenya in Konza technopolis, Machakos County. [Stephen Nzioka, Standard]

The charter was awarded to the Open University of Kenya in Konza technopolis, Machakos County, meant to traini Kenyans on digital literacy, ICT, and the digital economy.

The first batch of students will be admitted in September this year, even as the government targets enrolling 7,100 students in the first intake.

President William Ruto (left) is recieved by Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior when he arrived in the county to unveil Kenya's virtual university at Open University of Kenya. [Stephen Nzioka,Standard]

Konza Development Authority noted the importance of the institution, saying it will help thousands of students to enroll for academic programmes at cheaper costs.

President William Ruto (Second left), Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior (left), Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Energy CS Davis Chirchir. [Stephen Nzioka,Standard]

"It has been demonstrated that with an open university, it is possible to increase enrolment and affordability and to enhance quality education without a concomitant increase in cost. This unique attribute will enable the Open University of Kenya to deliver academic programmes at a comparatively lower cost, and to serve many disadvantaged families effectively," the Authority noted.