The Open University of Kenya (OUK), which was launched by President William Ruto last year with the promise of transforming higher education, has been severely affected by the government’s budget rationalization efforts.
Following the withdrawal of the finance bill, the development budget of Ksh200 million allocated for the institution at Konza Technopolis has been entirely eliminated.
The documents presented to the education committee by the ministry reveal that the university was allocated a total of Ksh670 million, with Ksh470 million designated for recurrent expenses.
The university, the first virtual public learning institution, provides students with the chance to study from the convenience of their homes or workplaces.
“The development budget was to facilitate the enhancement of the digital infrastructure so as to host an increased number of academic programmes,” reads the document.
Higher Education Principal Secretary (PS) Beatrice Inyang’ala informed the MPs that this will impact the institution’s ability to expand.
“Without additional support for diversification of its programmes, the growth of the university and its capacity to expand access to university education will be constrained,” she said.
The university proposed a total allocation of Ksh1.59 billion to effectively meet its mandate. However, with the proposed allocation of Sh470 million for 2024/25, it faces a shortfall of Sh1.12 billion.
“The funding gap will constrain the diversification of the programmes of the university to meet the growing demand for flexible learning at the university level,” she said.
During the charter issuance ceremony on August 4, Ruto announced that the institution would boost the capacity of public universities and ensure a 100 per cent transition to higher education.
“Our administration is keen on offering competitive and industry-driven education, aligned with the government’s economic transformation agenda,” he stated.
It currently provides seven key programmes, comprising five degree courses and two postgraduate diploma programmes.
The initial range of programmes available to students starting from September of last year includes a Bachelor of Data Science, a Bachelor of Cyber Security and Digital Forensics, a Bachelor of Entrepreneurship and Business, a Bachelor of Technology Education, a Bachelor of Economics and Statistics, a Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Design and Technology, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership and Accountability.
It was created to improve access to higher education in Kenya by leveraging digital technology.
Additionally, approximately 22 other delayed projects across various public universities are expected to be impacted by the budget adjustments.
According to the PS, these projects, which are around 60 per cent complete, include upgrades to facilities, renovations, and ongoing construction.
Execution of presidential commitments prioritized for this financial year and addressing the legal liabilities faced by universities are other critical issues that will be adversely affected.
“The absence of funding will prevent universities from settling these liabilities, which may lead to further financial difficulties and potential legal consequences,” she noted.
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