Title: From concept to reality: Building Kenya’s first fully virtual public university
Presenters: Prof E Omwenga, Open University of Kenya, Kenya
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed deep vulnerabilities in traditional education models, accelerating the global demand for resilient, flexible and technology-driven learning ecosystems. In response to these challenges and longstanding educational access gaps, Kenya embarked on a groundbreaking initiative: the establishment of the Open University of Kenya (OUK) — the nation’s first fully virtual public university.
This paper chronicles the transformation of the OUK from an ambitious policy concept into a living institution designed for scale, equity and future-readiness. It explores the architectural blueprint behind OUK’s creation: the legal and regulatory frameworks, the adoption of digital-first curricula, the design of learner-centred virtual infrastructures and the integration of recognition of prior learning (RPL) policies to widen access. Furthermore, the paper assesses the operational realities faced during implementation — including digital literacy gaps, trust-building among stakeholders and technological infrastructure development — and how these challenges were addressed.
Early outcomes, such as surging enrolment figures, increased participation from marginalised communities and policy influence across the East African region, are examined. By situating OUK within global discussions on the future of higher education, this paper positions Kenya’s fully virtual public university not merely as a national achievement, but as a replicable model for innovation across the Global South. It argues that the future of education is neither hybrid nor supplementary — it is digital-first, inclusive by design, and borderless by intent.
Keywords: Virtual universities, Open University of Kenya, digital transformation, distance education, recognition of prior learning (RPL), educational innovation, Global South, future of learning, Kenya.
Prod Eliah Omwenga, Vice-Chancellor of the Open University of Kenya.
Prof Elijah Omwenga, PhD, is a distinguished academic in computer science with over 30 years’ experience as a software engineer and ICT consultant. He has published more than 60 scholarly articles and has held notable positions, including his current role as Vice-Chancellor of the Open University of Kenya. He has also served in leadership positions at the University of Kabianga and the University of Nairobi, and is involved in various governance boards, including his current role at the Kenya Industrial Property Institute. Recognised as a Commonwealth and VLIR scholar, he is dedicated to enhancing higher education accessibility and quality in Africa.
