Ruto enrolls for Master’s in AI at the Open University of Kenya

President William Ruto has officially enrolled for a Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence at the Open University of Kenya (OUK), signalling his firm endorsement of the country’s first fully digital university.

Speaking during his visit to Konza Technopolis, where he launched the first phase of the smart city’s infrastructure, President Ruto said the government is committed to expanding access to affordable higher education through technology-driven platforms like OUK.

"I am going to support you, and by way of that, I have enrolled myself as a student in AI because I want to understand. AI is disruptive. AI is going to change the way we do business; the way we run government, the way we do everything else, the way we deliver health, education, and it's my proposal that AI being a new ecosystem, those of us who are leaders must not be left behind, " Ruto said.

Ruto encouraged more leaders to find time to understand what AI is all about and take some lessons.

"I will be taking some lessons on AI, and I hope you will treat me well as a student," Ruto said.

“By 2026, the Open University of Kenya will enroll 100,000 students. It will be the largest university in Kenya," Ruto said.

Ruto said his administration had invested in the most modern resources to support learning—making it affordable, accessible and fully digital.

"The cost of online courses will be just a fraction of what other universities are charging," he said.

OUK Vice Chancellor Prof Elijah Omwenga hailed the President’s enrollment as a powerful vote of confidence in the institution and in Kenya’s transition toward open, flexible and digital learning.

“We are so privileged that you will be our student. Your enrollment is a great encouragement to thousands of learners embracing the future of education," Omwenga said.

OUK has so far enrolled over 15,000 students who include 590 international learners from 70 countries, reflecting its growing global reach.

The university has developed 23 new programmes ranging from undergraduate to PhD level and 24 professional development courses lasting between two and eight weeks.

Prof. Omwenga noted that these short courses are designed to help professionals retool and reskill in an evolving job market.

The institution, according to Prof. Omwenga, provides access to 20 million digital learning resources, enabling students to pursue education flexibly and at their own pace.

It has also established 22 collaborations with international partners and recently co-authored one of the world’s most comprehensive books on open universities.

Presenting the publication to the President, University Council Chairperson Prof. Ezra Martim praised OUK’s growing international recognition.

“Your Excellency, we have placed the Open University of Kenya on the world map. It now stands among 95 leading open universities featured in this global publication. Thank you, sir, for your continued support,"  Prof. Martim said.

The president's enrollment is expected to inspire thousands of Kenyans and international learners to embrace digital education and lifelong learning through OUK’s innovative and inclusive platforms.

The Open University of Kenya (OUK) is a virtual institution that offers flexible, inclusive, and accessible higher education across Kenya and beyond.

Established on August 3, 2023, OUK provides online courses, leveraging technology to bridge geographical and physical barriers.