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A new path to affordable higher education is emerging for many Kenyans long hindered by high tuition fees.
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According to Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, the government’s Open University initiative is set to lower the cost of university education by more than 30% once it is fully operational.
Speaking during a retreat for the Open University of Kenya’s Council and Management in Naivasha on Thursday, Ogamba attributed the projected cost reduction to the institution’s digital delivery model and flexible learning structure.
“Education at the Open University is more affordable due to the nature of its instructional methods and flexible programming, which significantly reduces overhead costs compared to traditional universities,” he explained.
For thousands of students, especially those previously locked out of higher education, this approach could offer a much-needed lifeline.
The Ministry of Education is aiming to enrol over 50,000 students in the Open University by the end of 2026. Ogamba stressed that this goal goes beyond increasing access—it’s also about securing the institution’s long-term financial independence.
“Given the current funding challenges facing public universities, reaching a critical mass of students and programmes will allow the Open University to gradually become self-sustaining,” he noted.
The Cabinet Secretary also shared plans to introduce modular learning and micro-credentialing, enabling students—especially working adults and non-traditional learners—to earn qualifications in stages. This flexible model aligns with the evolving needs of the modern workforce.
Ogamba praised the university’s leadership for laying the foundation of an inclusive institution that embraces open and distance learning, and encouraged them to continue focusing on relevant, market-driven programmes, strong digital infrastructure, and meaningful partnerships.
In addition to supporting university-level education, the government is scaling up efforts in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector.
Ogamba reported that TVET enrolment had surged from 375,000 in December 2024 to 700,000 by May 2025, with an ambitious target of reaching two million learners by the end of the year.
“We’re collaborating with the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) to promote our programmes in community meetings and households to attract more people to TVET institutions where they can acquire practical, in-demand skills,” he said.
For many Kenyans, these reforms offer more than policy promises—they represent a tangible opportunity to pursue education and secure a better future.
