UoN Postpones September Reopening After 3 Die of Covid-19

The University of Nairobi issued a new advisory on reopening of its campuses after three employees succumbed to Coronavirus (Covid-19). 

Vice-Chancellor Professor Stephen Kiama postponed the resumption of studies slated for September 2020 stating that he wouldn’t want to put the health of staff and students at risk.

Kiama cited the upsurge in Coronavirus cases with Kenya’s trajectory expect to rise towards the end of 2020.

“We have issued our advisory that September 2020 reopening will be impossible as we expect cases to peak in November. We shall not take risks,” Kiama stated on Wednesday, July 15.

File image of the University of Nairobi

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He also condoled with the families of the deceased stating that it was unfortunate to lose the three to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Kiama, on July 10, announced that the institution would, however, proceed with its 2020 graduation plans amid the pandemic, having instructed Deans and Directors to prepare for opening in a phased manner. 

The Education Ministry directed TVETs, Colleges and Universities to detail their programs for the resumption of studies, aligned with measures stipulated to curb the spread of Coronavirus. Chuka University was given the green light to re-open in August by Education Principal Secretary Ambassador Simon Nabukwesi on Wednesday, July 15.

Nabukwesi further directed postgraduate students in their final academic year to be allowed to resume classes towards the end of July. This will allow them to prepare for their exams and pave way for other students to resume in September.

This, however, applies to universities that will have outlined Covid-19 health protocols with the Ministry clearing them to resume operations. 

He also directed universities to supply face masks, sanitisers and tap water for cleaning. Administrators were asked to ensure that students maintain social distancing to curb the spread of Coronavirus (Covid-19).

Nabukwesi added that Education Ministry officials will make impromptu inspections during class sessions to ensure that the guidelines are followed.

A file image of Chuka University main entrance

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