This archive report was first published on 16 July 2020.
University of Nairobi Postpones September Reopening Amid Covid-19 Outbreak ¶
On July 15, 2020, the University of Nairobi issued a new advisory on the reopening of its campuses following the deaths of three employees due to Covid-19. The decision was made by Vice-Chancellor Professor Stephen Kiama, who cited the upsurge in Coronavirus cases in Kenya.
According to Kiama, the university's reopening, initially scheduled for September 2020, would be impossible as cases were expected to peak in November. He stated, "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," on Wednesday, July 15.
Kiama also condoled with the families of the deceased, stating that it was unfortunate to lose the three to the Covid-19 pandemic. The university had previously announced plans to proceed with its 2020 graduation despite the pandemic, with Deans and Directors instructed to prepare for opening in a phased manner.
Meanwhile, Chuka University was given the green light to reopen in August by Education Principal Secretary Ambassador Simon Nabukwesi on July 15. Postgraduate students in their final academic year were allowed to resume classes towards the end of July, provided their universities had outlined Covid-19 health protocols and were cleared by the Ministry to resume operations.
The Education Ministry directed universities to supply face masks, sanitisers, and tap water for cleaning, and to ensure that students maintain social distancing to curb the spread of Coronavirus (Covid-19). Ministry officials would make impromptu inspections during class sessions to ensure that the guidelines were followed.
