President William Ruto has signed a partnership deal between the Open University of Kenya and the Indira Ghandi National Open University (IGNOU) in India.
The deal, which was made on Monday, took place when the President and his team held a meeting with officials from the institution hours after touchdown.
It is expected to enable the Kenyan institution to diversify its programs and enhance its technological infrastructure.
The Open University of Kenya hopes to expand its portfolio and bolster its growth after garnering enough influence from the institution established 38 years ago.
IGNOU has 3.5 million students and is the largest open university in the world.
Ruto was accompanied to the signing by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, PS University Education Beatrice Inyangala, PS Treasury Chris Kiptoo, PS ICT and Digital Economy Engineer John Tanui, and Open University Vice Chancellor Prof. Elijah Omwenga.
The Head of State launched the Open University on Thursday, August 3, at Konza Technology City, Machakos County, and awarded it a charter.
Similar to other universities, the Open University is managed by a Vice-Chancellor and a Chancellor, currently occupied by Equity Bank founder James Mwangi.
"The funds of the University shall comprise such sums as may be granted to the University by the exchequer and such monies or assets as may accrue to or vest in the University in the course of performance of its functions under this Charter and the Statutes," the draft regulations governing the institution reads.
Currently, the institution offers seven courses with the majority being degree programmes and postgraduate courses.
The degree programmes include a Bachelor of Data Science, Bachelor of Economics and Statistics, Bachelor of Science in Business and Entrepreneurship, Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics, and Bachelor of Technology Education.
Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership and Accountability and Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Design and Technology are also offered.
Ruto also met Harsha Bangari, the Managing Director of India Exim Bank, which is in the process of setting up its regional headquarters in Kenya.
