Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has announced that the government’s Open University of Kenya (OUK) is expected to reduce the cost of university education by more than 30% once fully implemented.
Speaking during a retreat in Naivasha with the OUK Council and Management, Ogamba explained that the university’s digital-first approach eliminates traditional overheads, making education significantly cheaper and more flexible.
“The cost is lower because of the mode of instruction and the flexibility of the programmes,” he noted.
The Ministry of Education is targeting an enrolment of 50,000 students by the end of 2026 — a number Ogamba says is key to the university’s sustainability and independence from government funding.
Learners will also be able to earn degrees and diplomas gradually through micro-credentialing and modular courses.
This approach is designed to cater to the evolving job market and support adult learners and professionals seeking to upskill.
Ogamba urged the university to prioritize market-driven programmes, enhance digital infrastructure, and build strategic partnerships to stay relevant and effective.
Meanwhile, the government’s push to expand Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is also gaining traction, with enrolment soaring from 375,000 in December 2024 to 700,000 by May 2025 — and an ambitious target of two million by year’s end.
