President William Ruto on Thursday appointed Equity CEO James Mwangi as the Chancellor of the first virtual public University in Kenya at Konza Technopolis.
Professor Ezra Maritim was appointed as the council chair.
The President expressed confidence in Mwangi and noted that he believes in his leadership.
"For the appointment of the Chancellor of the Open University of Kenya, I was specific when I told CS Machogu whom I wanted to be. I know that with his stewardship, the university is safe," Ruto said.
Ruto was speaking after he awarded the charter at the varsity's grounds in Konza Technopolies City in Machakos County on Thursday.
The President issued the charter in a function attended by various leaders including senior government officials such as Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaties, MPs, Governors among other leaders.
"In accordance with the requirements of the law, I, William Samoei Ruto, the President of Kenya and Commander in Chief of the Armed forces, satisfied that the awarding of the charter to the Open University of Kenya will be of benefit to the advancement of University Education in Kenya," Ruto said.
The president cited Section 24 (1b) of the University Act while awarding the charter to the varsity.
"I, William Samoei Ruto, President of Kenya and the commander of Armed Forces, hereby award the charter to the Open University of Kenya on August 3, 2023, and wish the university great success," Ruto said.
The varsity will operate under the theme 'The Innovative University for Inclusive Prosperity'.