Prof. Wilson Otenga

Director, Open & Distance eLearning (ODeL)

Welcome Message

Rongo University established a Directorate of Open Distance and e-Learning (ODeL) to accord educational opportunities to learners who for some reason are not able to attend residential courses on campus. The unit has borrowed from best practices worldwide to roll out programs that focus on quality in material development and delivery, enhanced learner satisfaction and efficient and effective service delivery. Open Distance and e-Learning students receive the same quality of education as those on campus. In addition, the Directorate has structures to maximize interactions between learners and lecturers and also ensure that distance learning students interact among themselves, participants in the vibrant University life and access all University services including library, academic advising and career information. The Directorate admitted its new batch of students on the 15th January 2015. ODeL runs Programs both Post Graduate and Undergraduate from the school of Arts & Social Sciences, School of Education and School of Business and Human resource Development. Currently we offer the following courses:- Diploma in Criminology and Security Studies Diploma in social work and community development Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Security Studies Bachelor of education Arts Bachelor of education early childhood and primary education (ECPE) Bachelor of commerce Bachelor of Science in Project Planning and Management Master of Arts in Sociology Holding on the ‘MOTO’’ ODeL-Flexible Education at Your Convenience. Rongo University ODeL mode is growing in students’ number and programmes. Currently the Directorate has a Centre in Sori nyatike Sub County Migori County with 59 students and ODeL Wajir Town in Wajir County.

open distance and e-learning board

Prof. Wilson Otengah – Chairman

Prof. Otengah is the current Director of ODeL Directorate. He has PhD in Developmental Administration, a Master of Arts Degree in Sociology, a Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work, a Post Graduate diploma in Education and a Bachelors degree in Sociology. He is a professor of Sociology and Development Administration, with extensive teaching experience of 22 years at the University level. He previously taught at Kenyatta University from 1997 to 2013, where he was assistant director of Open Distance and e learning for four years. While at Kenyatta University, he served as Departmental Chairman of the Board of Post Graduate Studies, member of the School of Humanities Board of Post Graduate Studies, and managed the Sociology Department’s resource center. He has extensive experience in the planning and facilitation of corporate training. He has widely published with vast experience as a researcher and scholar. Prof Otengah has a rich experience on ODeL mode of learning which is a major resource base for the Directorate.

Dr. Henry D S Kinya – Member

Dr. Kinya is a senior lecturer in the department of information science school of information communication and media studies. He has worked as Senior Librarian at Africa Nazarene University- Nairobi, Kenya, Manager of Documentation and Office Services at Kenya Shell limited for a period of 9 years. Dr. Kinya is a trained library and information scientist, and has published books, research papers and presented papers at international conferences. He is a member of the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA), America Library Association, Leadership in information science Forum (LIS) and Kenya National Library Association (KLA). He holds a PhD degree in library and information science.

Phoebe Owiti (CText ATI)- Member

Edit Column Phoebe, a Lecturer of Fashion Design and Textile Technology in the School of Science, Technology and Engineering. Her PhD research focuses on developing new methods of learning and teaching using 3D scanning, 3D graphics software and 3D CAD/CAM applications in Fashion and Textile Technology. She graduated from University of Huddersfield, UK with an MA in Fashion Design and Textiles, and is a holder of a Post Graduate Diploma in Education (Curriculum Design, Development, Instruction in Multi- Media Technology, Fashion Design and Textile Technology); a Higher National Diploma in Fashion Design and Textile Technology; and a BSc. in Fashion Design and Textiles. She is a Chartered Associate of The Textile Institute International (CText ATI) U.K and a Fellow of Fashion Group International, US. She has fifteen years of teaching experience in Universities in Kenya and Internationally. She has worked as a Lecturer of Apparel and Fashion Design at the University of Eldoret, Kenya; an Assistant Lecturer of Fashion Design and Textiles at Manchester Metropolitan University, UK; a Research Assistant in New Technologies in Fashion and Textiles at Manchester College of Arts and Technology (MANCAT).

Elisha Osio Omoso – Member

Elisha is currently an Assistant Lecturer in the School of Education at RU. He holds an MSc in Educational Science and Technology (Specialization: Curriculum, instruction and Media Applications) from University of Twente, The Netherlands, a First Class Honors Degree in Education (Mathematics and Geography) and a Certificate in Web Design . He also has over 6 years of experience in teaching and administration.

Dr. Taji Shivachi – Member

Taji holds a PhD in Sociology, Masters Degree in Sociology and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Relations. He has vast experience in Education Administration, having served as a principal and Head of Department in different colleges. He has extensive experience in Project Management, Research and training. He has designed and facilitated several corporate training programs for private sector, Governmental and non Governmental organizations. He has taught at higher education level for more than eight years.

Prof. Peter Arama – Member

Prof. Ongong'a Jared – Member

Mr. Ben Asugo – Member

Mr. Joel Nakitare – Member

Programmes

Currently Rongo University Open Distance and e-Learning mode offers the following programmes:-
1.Diploma in Criminology and Security Studies
2.Diploma in social work and community development
3.Bachelors of Education in Early Childhood and Primary Education (ECPE)
4.Bachelors of Education in Special Needs Education (SNE)
5.Bachelors of Science in Project Planning and Management
6.Bachelor of education arts
7.Bachelor of commerce
8.Master of Art in Sociology