| dc.description.abstract | As we celebrate the end of 2023, one of my wish lists for the government in 2024 is making the Open University of Kenya accessible to many disadvantaged Kenyans thirsty for education. An open university is an institution where one can learn from anywhere, whenever one needs, without attending classes in a physical classroom. Open, Distance, and Electronic Learning (ODEL) is a popular form of open learning in many Kenyan universities today. In Kenya, Open University is pegged on Article 43 and Article 53(1)(b), which gives every Kenyan the right to education by recognising it as a fundamental right. Section 24(1)(b) of the Universities Act 2012 and UNESCO commitments by Kenya under “an educational philosophy where learning can happen anywhere, anytime from any resource” solidifies the foundation of the Open University of Kenya. In addition, Sustainable Development Goal 4 on quality education aims at directly supporting open universities by making education more inclusive and accessible. Vision 2030 also aims to provide inclusive education, facilitate lifelong learning, align with workforce needs, and foster innovation.
The open university concept might be new in Kenya but not in many parts of the world. Many African and developed countries implemented it successfully many years ago. In Africa, open universities enroll between 25 and 37 percent of the overall student enrollment population. For instance, the Open University of Tanzania, the University of South Africa, the Zimbabwe Open University, and the National Open University of Nigeria contribute 41 percent, 37 percent, 33 percent, and 26 percent of the overall university student population.
These universities provide vital access to academic and professional development opportunities for those constrained by geography or financial factors. | en_US |
