This archive report was first published on 15 July 2020.
On July 14, 2020, Principal Secretary for University Education and Research, Ambassador Simon Nabukwesi, toured Chuka University in Tharaka-Nithi County, assessing the institution's readiness to resume studies in August.
According to Nabukwesi, the Ministry of Education was satisfied with Chuka University's preparedness for resumption of studies, stating that the university had 'met all requirements set by the Ministry.'
As a result, the university has been given the greenlight to resume academic sessions on August 3, with postgraduate students in their final academic year being given priority.
Final-year Master's and PhD students will be allowed to prepare for their exams, which will be sat before September 2020, provided the university has obtained clearance from the Ministry of Education after complying with COVID-19 safety guidelines.
Once the finalist students have completed their studies, they will create space for those reporting in September, said Nabukwesi.
The COVID-19 safety requirements set by the Ministry include providing adequate hygiene products, taking students' body temperatures before entry, ensuring social distancing in classrooms, and a spread-out lessons schedule to decongest classrooms.
Ministry officials will conduct impromptu inspections after the resumption of studies to ensure adherence to the guidelines.
Universities have been required to submit a programme indicating how they plan to accommodate students in phases should they be allowed to resume studies.
Chuka University Vice-Chancellor Erastus Njoka welcomed the Ministry's approval, stating that his institution is doing its best to meet the requirements for reopening.
