'I've enrolled for AI classes at Open University,' Ruto says as he praises Konza City progress

President William Ruto says he has enrolled for artificial intelligence (AI) classes at the Open University of Kenya (OUK), the country’s first fully virtual university.

Speaking on Monday during the launch of the first phase of Konza Technopolis, where OUK is based, President Ruto said that he has embraced digital learning through enriching his knowledge on AI, urging political leaders to take up courses at the institution.

“I have enrolled myself as a student of AI here at the Open University. It will be the largest university in Kenya because we have put the most modern digital infrastructure that will support learning and ensure that we democratize opportunities for learning to make it affordable," said Ruto.

He added that he has agreed with Equity Group CEO James Mwangi to have 100,000 students enrolled in OUK by December 2026, up from the current 15,000 students.

The 15,000 students, according to President Ruto, hail from 70 countries, offering 70 programmes and forging 22 global partnerships.

Currently, OUK offers a Bachelor of Data Science; a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics; a Bachelor of Technology Education; a Bachelor of Business and Entrepreneurship; and a Bachelor of Economics and Statistics.

The postgraduate programmes include a Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership and Accountability and a Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Design and Technology.

Students pay Ksh.105,000 a year for undergraduate courses, except for the Bachelor of Technology Education degree, which costs Ksh.115,000 per year for full-time study.

President Ruto expressed optimism in the development of the Technopolis, saying that it will introduce the digital growth of the nation and the expansion of Machakos County.

Ruto said that there is a plan to expand the road to Emali, connect water from Mount Kilimanjaro and even construct an airport at Konza.

The launched Phase 1 includes 40 kilometres of road networks, a wastewater reclamation plant that will recycle up to 90 of used water and fresh water facilities that produce 7.5 million litres daily.