On Saturday, July 8th, 2023, Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, the Principal Secretary of the State Department of Higher Education and Research at the Ministry of Education, paid a visit to the Open University of Kenya. The purpose of the visit was to provide supervision and oversight of the preparations for the chartering of the Open University of Kenya (OUK). Accompanying her on the visit was Prof. Walter Oyawa, the Director General of NACOSTI (National Commission for Science, Technology, and Innovation).
During the visit, Dr. Inyangala and Prof. Oyawa observed the progress of the preparations for the chartering of OUK. This includes ensuring that all necessary requirements are being met, such as compliance with educational standards, curriculum development, infrastructure planning, and the establishment of quality assurance mechanisms. The visit also provided an opportunity for Dr. Inyangala and Prof. Oyawa to engage with the O UK team, gather information, and offer guidance and support to ensure a successful chartering process.
Notably, it was mentioned that thethe approval for the award of the Charter for OUK was granted by the Commission for University Education (CUE) in a letter dated June 7th. This milestone was further reinforced when the draft charter for the Open University of Kenya was approved by Members of Parliament, allowing for the establishment of the first fully-fledged virtual university in the country.
The visit by Dr. Beatrice Inyangala and Prof. Walter Oyawa also highlighted the importance and attention given to the chartering of the Open University of Kenya by the Government. It underscores the commitment to advancing accessible and flexible higher education in Kenya and ensuring that the Open University of Kenya becomes a reputable institution that meets the needs of learners and contributes to the development of the country’s educational landscape.