KENYA: Catholic University Council Supports Phased Reopening of Institutions
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
After the government of Kenya through the Ministry of Education announced phased reopening of classroom learning for students in colleges and universities under strict conformity with the Ministry of Health guidelines on COVID-19 prevention, Council members of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) have opened doors allowing some students to begin in-person learning.
After a two-day virtual meeting of the Council that took place October 19-20, the Vice-Chancellor (VC) of CUEA Very Rev. Prof. Stephen Mbugua Ngari told AMECEA online in an interview that the Council members welcomed the idea of phased reopening of institutions as per the government’s directives “and already the final year students and students for natural sciences reported back on Wednesday, October 14, while first year students will be reporting on Monday, October 26.”
Even though the University is transitioning from online to in-person learning Fr. Mbugua said, “The Council still recommends that we continue making use of technology for learning because Covid-19 is still a challenge and at the same time the University may adherence to the government regulations especially the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education.”
According to the CUEA Vice Chancellor, “It is necessary for first years to open physically and familiarize themselves with the University structure which is different from that of Secondary school and they also need to be modeled.”
CUEA council which have had two virtual meetings since the outbreak of Covid-19 in Kenya, also discussed about this year’s graduation which has been slated for Friday, November 20.
“Since exams were postponed and done a bit later, graduation has also been postponed to November 20,” The VC said and explained “we do not want to delay those who have finished. So, once the exams are marked they will graduate most probably online though we are looking at the signs of time and the graduation committee will advise as necessary.”
“We shall live stream the event on our youtube channel and other social media sites so those graduating can follow from wherever they are,” the Kenyan cleric added.
The Council further discussed the impact of COVID-19 on management of the University and how it has affected the cash flow, but they appreciated that the administration move on and continued with virtual learning.
The Council as the governing body whose role is oversight over the institution and its affairs, also discussed matters of academics, finances, the progress and status of the University and issues pertaining to development.
