The hustler had every reason to rejoice. Then, President William Ruto will officially open the National Open University of Kenya, which will offer degree programs at reasonable prices.
After the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms called for reviews of the institution's operationalization on October 18, Ruto's proposal to launch the one-of-a-kind institution of higher learning got a boost.
The unique university aims to provide Kenyans with affordable online degree programs.
By offering part-time classes, the university wants to reach out to Kenyans who are already busy with other things.
The institution's fee schedule has not yet been determined, though.
Notably, one of the pledges Ruto made during the campaign leading up to the elections on August 9 was that he would lead an institution that offers virtual learning.
At the signing of the Kenya Kwanza Education Charter in June, Ruto stated that the operationalization of the institution would be a top priority for his administration within the first 100 days of his term.
"We promise to establish a university that will increase access to higher education within the first 100 days of taking office."
Then, he said, "As Kenya Kwanza, we think that we can offer a course that is virtual, accessible, and that will give individuals an opportunity even if they are not at a student-going age in the most effective way."
But the idea for the university came up in 2010 when Ruto was the minister of higher education under President Mwai Kibaki.
Outgoing Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i made proposals for the same under President Uhuru Kenyatta's administration while working on the education docket. However, the plans never got off the ground.
An open university in Kenya will be essential. "To create the university, I signed a cabinet document in 2010," Ruto claimed at the time.
The process of establishing the institution was barely underway when suggestions for higher university fees to pay for expenses emerged.
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