University of Nairobi plans a phased reopening

The University of Nairobi plans a phased reopening following its closure due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This was announced by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Kiama in an address to the University community on July 10, 2020. “As you are now aware, on July 7, 2020, the Ministry of Education issued a directive on the reopening of learning institutions in Kenya,” he said. “In line with the government directives, I have instructed the Deans and Directors working closely with the respective Principals to prepare to open in a phased manner. In addition, no student scheduled to graduate this year should fail to do so because of COVID -19.” The Vice-Chancellor revealed that the adhoc committee for COVID-19 which has been advising on emerging issues of the COVID-19 pandemic will assess each faculty when ready to admit students and make appropriate recommendations. “All guidelines issued by government must be complied with before making the request to have campus based exams or teaching and learning,” he stated. “Even as the University gradually reopens for on campus learning, we will continue to offer most of the lessons online through our platforms like we have been doing for the last 3 months. I encourage all students to continue engaging their heads of departments and sit for the exams when scheduled.” In regards to the election of UNSA leaders, Prof. Kiama announced that the Senate has set up a committee to review the election guidelines and propose how elections can be conducted in the face of COVID-19 pandemic. “This committee is chaired by Prof. Fred Jonyo, the Chairman, Political Science Department and deputized by Prof. Winnie Kamau, former Chairman Department of Private Law,” he said. “You are all called upon to give your views to the committee.” As regards admission of new students, the University will announce when the class of 2020/2021 will report. Admissions of the new students is continuous through the online admission system. On staff matters, the Vice-Chancellor thanked the government for honoring its promise to implement the 2017-2021 CBA. “As I promised in my last address, the University has since paid this money to all the beneficiaries. Similarly, the doctors who are offering clinical services at the public hospital and also teaching at the University of Nairobi have also benefited with enhanced clinical allowances. This action by the government will go a long way in boosting the morale of staff and improving their performance.”