President William Ruto has officially announced his return to education, enrolling as a student of Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the Open University of Kenya (OUK), the country’s first fully virtual higher learning institution. The announcement was made during a visit to the university, where he humorously requested lecturers to treat him kindly as he begins his studies.
Championing Digital Learning
“I will be taking some lessons on Artificial Intelligence, and I hope you will treat me well as a student,” Ruto stated, drawing laughter from attendees. He described his enrollment as both a personal initiative and a gesture to support the growth of digital education in Kenya.
Ruto highlighted the importance of AI in shaping the future of governance, business, and service delivery. He urged political leaders and public servants to embrace digital learning to understand and harness emerging technologies effectively.
AI as a Tool for Progress
“AI is disruptive. It is going to change how we do business, run government, and deliver health services. Those of us in leadership must not be left behind,” he said, emphasizing the role of continuous learning in modern leadership.
Expanding Access Through Open University
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making high-quality, affordable education accessible through virtual platforms. He revealed plans for OUK to enroll 100,000 students by 2026, backed by government investments in digital infrastructure, e-learning resources, and reduced tuition fees.
“The fees for online courses will be a fraction of what other universities are charging. This will make education accessible to everyone regardless of location or background,” Ruto noted.
Impact and Global Reach
University officials praised the President’s enrollment, describing it as a strong endorsement of Kenya’s technology-driven education agenda. His participation is seen as an inspiration to learners nationwide and a vote of confidence in virtual learning models.
Currently, the Open University of Kenya has enrolled over 15,000 students, including nearly 600 international learners from 70 countries, reflecting the growing global appeal of Kenya’s online education initiatives.
Looking Ahead
Ruto’s decision underscores the importance of equipping leaders with modern skills in AI and digital technologies, signaling Kenya’s commitment to preparing its workforce and leadership for the technological transformations of the future.
