President William Ruto has officially enrolled for a Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the Open University of Kenya (OUK), underscoring his commitment to embracing technology and advancing digital education in the country.
Speaking at Konza Technopolis during the launch of the first phase of the smart city’s infrastructure, Ruto said his decision to join OUK demonstrates the government’s faith in Kenya’s first fully digital university.
“I have enrolled myself as a student in AI because I want to understand. AI is disruptive; it is going to change how we run government, deliver healthcare, and provide education. Leaders must not be left behind,” Ruto said.
The President encouraged more leaders and professionals to take time to learn about AI, noting its transformative potential across sectors. “I will be taking some lessons on AI, and I hope you will treat me well as a student,” he added with a smile.
Ruto emphasized that his administration is dedicated to making higher education affordable and accessible through online learning. He revealed that OUK aims to enroll 100,000 students by 2026, making it the largest university in Kenya.
OUK Vice Chancellor Prof. Elijah Omwenga hailed the President’s enrollment as a strong endorsement of digital learning. “Your enrollment is a great encouragement to thousands of learners embracing the future of education,” he said.
Since its establishment in August 2023, the Open University of Kenya has attracted over 15,000 students, including 590 international learners from 70 countries. The institution offers 23 academic programmes and 24 professional development courses, all designed to promote flexible, inclusive, and technology-driven education.
Ruto’s move is expected to inspire more Kenyans and global learners to embrace digital education and lifelong learning through OUK’s innovative virtual platform.
