This archive report was first published on 30 June 2020.
University of Nairobi Students Challenge Online Classes ¶
On June 30, 2020, the University of Nairobi became the first public university in Kenya to conduct virtual exams amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, the institution's decision to conduct classes and exams online has been met with resistance from some students, who claim it is disadvantageous to those in remote areas without internet access.
At least 80 students from the University of Nairobi's law school have moved to court to challenge the institution's decision, citing inequality in service provision.
The students argue that the online classes have several shortcomings, including limited access to face-to-face consultation with lecturers, the library, and physical-based program facilities.
They are advocating for a physical-class-based program and have requested the court to stop the ongoing classes and exams.
According to the students, the online classes have no access for face-to-face consultation with lecturers, have limited access to the library, and access to physical-based program facilities that it is only fair that the fees is reduced.
Elvin Nyukuri, a lecturer at the centre for advanced studies in environmental law and policy (CASELAP), said the institution had to ensure the education of its students went on uninterrupted.
President Uhuru Kenyatta had directed the closure of all learning institutions to curb the spread of the highly contagious disease.
Education CS George Magoha had announced that schools would remain closed until September when the state would analyze the COVID-19 situation before making any decision to resume studies.
