Open University of Kenya Faces Uncertain Future Due to Budget Cuts
The Open University of Kenya, inaugurated by President William Ruto last year with ambitious goals to transform higher education, is now facing severe budgetary constraints.
This follows the recent withdrawal of the finance bill, which has significantly affected its funding.
The university, situated in Konza Technopolis, saw its development budget of Sh200 million completely eliminated.
Initially, the institution had been allocated Sh670 million, with Sh470 million designated for recurrent expenses, according to documents presented to the education committee by the ministry.
Digital Infrastructure and Program Expansion
The development budget was intended to improve digital infrastructure and support the addition of new academic programs.
The Higher Education Principal Secretary, Beatrice Inyang’ala, informed MPs that the removal of this funding would hinder the university’s ability to grow and expand its program offerings.
She explained that without extra support for program diversification, the university’s capacity to broaden access to higher education would be limited.
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The university had proposed a budget of Sh1.59 billion to effectively carry out its mission. With the allocated Sh470 million for the 2024/25 fiscal year, there is a significant shortfall of Sh1.12 billion.
Inyang’ala pointed out that this funding gap would restrict the university’s ability to diversify its programs and meet the increasing demand for flexible learning options at the university level.
Presidential Commitment and Current Programmes
During the charter issuance ceremony on August 4, President Ruto expressed that the institution was set to bolster public university capacity and ensure a 100 percent transition to higher education.
He emphasized his administration’s focus on providing competitive, industry-oriented education aligned with the government’s economic transformation agenda.
The Open University of Kenya currently offers seven key programs, including five undergraduate degrees and two postgraduate diplomas.
The initial programs available from September last year feature Bachelor’s degrees in Data Science, Cyber Security and Digital Forensics, Entrepreneurship and Business, Technology Education, and Economics and Statistics.
Additionally, there are Postgraduate Diplomas in Learning Design and Technology and in Leadership and Accountability.
Impact on Other Projects and Financial Liabilities
Besides the Open University, budget rationalisation is affecting 22 other stalled projects across various public universities.
These projects, which are about 60 percent complete, include facility upgrades, renovations, and ongoing construction work.
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According to Inyang’ala, these projects are vital for improving the overall student experience.
Furthermore, the absence of adequate funding is likely to impede the implementation of presidential commitments and the settlement of legal liabilities faced by universities.
Inyang’ala highlighted that the lack of funding could exacerbate financial difficulties and lead to potential legal consequences.
Open University of Kenya Faces Uncertain Future Due to Budget Cuts
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