Ruto Appoints James Mwangi As Open University Chancellor
The Head of State made the announcement after officially opening the Open University which is located at Konza City Technopolis in Machakos County.
Marvin Chege 
President William Ruto on Thursday, August 3 appointed James Mwangi, Group Managing Director of Equity Group Holdings PLC, as Chancellor of the Open University of Kenya.
The Head of State made the announcement after officially opening the Open University which is located at Konza City Technopolis in Machakos County.
"I'm satisfied that the awarding of a charter to the Open University of Kenya will be of benefit to the advancement of university education in Kenya.
"Now wherefore by this exercise, be it known that by the powers conferred upon me by Section 24 (1) b, of the Universities Act, I here award the charter to the Open University of Kenya," Ruto declared.
Mwangi will be tasked with spearheading the institution, which will be domiciled at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Arts and Technology (JKUAT) and to ensure that the university produces some of the best professionals and innovators in the country.
President Ruto added that the institution will be vital in creating an enabling environment for university academics to grow in the country, especially through online and distance learning.
OUK will also offer self-study modules, correspondence courses and technology-enabled tutorials.
The President further thanked everyone who worked tirelessly to ensure the Open University of Kenya became a reality, alluding to the huge demand it took in terms of resources to ensure its launch as the means to ensure it achieves its maximum potential.
"This institution is now open for those who wanted to access affordable and convenient academic programmes in the country. See you in class by September 2023," added the President.
On his part, Mwangi expressed gratitude to President Ruto for bestowing upon him the new role, adding that OUK will embark on infrastructural developments to ensure that it becomes one of Kenya's best-performing tertiary institutions.
"I am humbled that you have given me the responsibility to provide service for this country on your behalf. Thank you, Sir. You have given me responsibility at a time when my service at the Meru University of Science Technology has just ended. I want to express my gratitude," Mwangi, who also serves as the Group CEO of Equity Group Holdings PLC, stated.
"The OUK is a great option for Kenyans who want to pursue a university education but cannot afford to attend a traditional university. The OUK's distance and e-learning programs offer flexibility and convenience, and the university's accredited degrees are recognised by employers all over the world."
Among the major tasks he promised to embark on is establishing OUK as an institution offering quality courses in undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, diplomas, and certificates.
The Open University of Kenya will soon provide academic services in various fields, including business, management, and Information Technology. Other areas include Education, Agriculture, Health Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities.
President William Ruto speaking during the launch of the report of the Presidential Working Party on Education Reform, State House, Nairobi on August 1, 2023. /PCS
President William Ruto awards the Charter and presented the Charter, Instruments of Authority and Accreditation Report to the Chairperson of the University Council of the Open University of Kenya on August 3, 2023. /MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
