Ruto goes back to class to study a new course
By Cynthia Lodite, October 14, 2025President William Ruto has announced his journey back to class as an artificial intelligence (AI) student at the Open University of Kenya (OUK), the country’s first fully virtual university.
Ruto made the announcement on Monday, October 13, 2025, while rallying behind political leaders to take up courses at the institution.
Also Watch: Ruto mocks Gachagua for lack of education, praises Kindiki
Speaking during the launch of the first phase of Konza Technopolis, where OUK is based, Ruto said that he has embraced digital learning through enriching his knowledge on AI.
“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 in the most modern digital infrastructure that will support learning and ensure that we democratize opportunities for learning to make it affordable,” said Ruto.
Notably, 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.
Similarly, OUK offers postgraduate programs, which include a Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership and Accountability and a Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Design and Technology.
Students pay Ksh105,000 a year for undergraduate courses, except for the Bachelor of Technology Education degree, which costs Ksh115,000 per year for full-time study.
Ruto, victim of AI-generated images
Ruto’s announcement comes as even his administration struggles to tighten its nose on AI. During the 2024 Gen-Z-led protests, he was among the victims of AI-generated images.
This prompted outcry from some government officials, with others proposing new rules to guide the sector.
Nonetheless, the government recently made strides by embracing its potential to modernise the country’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) ecosystem through AI.
The government’s plan to integrate AI into the production and assessment of examinations in TVET institutions has specifically been welcomed as a transformative step. Announced in August 2025, the initiative aims to enhance efficiency, credibility, and alignment with evolving industry needs.