The Open University of Kenya (OUK), the country’s first fully online university, has taken a historic step in advancing digital skills by launching an ICDL Accredited Test Centre in partnership with ICDL Africa. The momentous event was led by ICDL Foundation CEO Damien O’Sullivan, ICDL Africa General Manager Solange Umulisa, and Regional Manager Peter Maina, who joined OUK leadership to officially hand over the ICDL Accredited Test Centre Certification.
Representing the university were Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academics and Programmes Prof. Caroline Omulando and Acting Dean of the School of Science and Technology Dr. Beth Kiratu, who expressed their delight at receiving the certification. They affirmed the university’s commitment to integrating ICDL certification into its curriculum, ensuring that students not only gain academic knowledge but also leave with globally recognized digital competencies.
The launch reflects OUK’s pioneering role in flexible and technology-driven higher education. By embedding ICDL into its programmes and partnering with ICT hubs across Kenya, the university will make digital skills training accessible to learners from every corner of the country. Importantly, the programme has been priced fairly to address the economic divide, ensuring inclusivity and giving all students, regardless of background, the opportunity to participate.
As part of the roll-out, ten OUK trainers are currently undergoing ICDL certification and will soon proceed to a Train-the-Trainer programme, building the university’s internal capacity to deliver ICDL at scale. This effort aligns with OUK’s ambition to expand its student population from 3,500 to more than 10,000 in the coming years, with digital skills as a central driver of growth.
Speaking at the launch, ICDL CEO Damien O’Sullivan emphasized that investing in people through digital skills is one of the most powerful milestones for national development. He noted that nations such as Singapore and Ireland, which made strong commitments to digital education, are today recognized as giant economic leaders. He congratulated OUK for taking this bold step, highlighting that Kenya’s first online university is uniquely positioned to model how digital-first learning and certification can transform a nation’s future.
The partnership between OUK and ICDL Africa is therefore more than the launch of an accredited test centre; it is a statement of intent. It demonstrates Kenya’s readiness to equip its learners with future-ready skills, bridge the digital divide, and position itself as a leader in digital education across Africa.
