The Open University of Kenya (OUK) has named Professor Elijah Omwenga as its new Vice-Chancellor, marking a significant leadership transition for the institution dedicated to expanding access to higher education through distance learning.
The appointment, announced last week, underscores the university’s commitment to advancing academic excellence and innovation in the country’s ever evolving educational landscape.
Omwenga, who had been OUK’s acting VC for over one and a half years, brings extensive experience to the role. He previously served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Maasai Mara University and has held senior positions at the University of Nairobi, where he is still an Associate Professor of Information Systems.
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His expertise in e-learning and instructional technology aligns with the Open University’s mission to expand access to higher education through digital platforms.
“Prof Omwenga’s leadership shall drive OUK’s growth, ensure sustained stability, and reinforce its commitment to achieving strategic objectives,” said Prof Ezra Maritim, the university’s spokesperson and Chair of the Governing Council.
Maritim further noted, “His proven ability to stabilise and lead the Open University of Kenya through its formative stages, combined with his expertise in computer science and distinguished tenure as Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs at the University of Kabianga, positions him well in advancing the university’s virtual education mandate.”
The Open University, Kenya’s first fully virtual public university, was chartered to address educational inequities by offering affordable degree programmes to students unable to attend traditional campuses.
Since its inception in 2023, it has enrolled thousands of learners, leveraging technology to deliver courses across diverse fields.
Omwenga, who holds a PhD in Computer Science in the area of Information Systems from the University of Nairobi, is expected to prioritise partnerships with industry and global institutions to enhance the university’s offerings.
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Correction. Prof. Omwenga was DVC University of Kabianga and not Maasai Mara.
Nice story, though.