Varsities in disease infected zones shift to online learning
Irene Githinji and Harrison Kivisu
There was confusion in several universities yesterday following President Kenyatta’s directive on Friday that they cease in-person learning forthwith to curb the spread of Covid-19 pandemic.
Some universities were forced to reorganise the remainder of the semester following the President’s directive while others automatically shifted exams to online platforms.
Yesterday, University of Nairobi Vice Chancellor Prof Gitahi Kiama directed all learners to vacate the institution saying teaching and learning will continue online and urged the ICT director to facilitate staff and students in up scaling the uptake and utilisation of online solutions.
“The Senate deliberated and resolved to reschedule all in person teaching and learning activities at the university except those in College of Health Sciences,” said Kiama.
The university also suspended accommodation and catering services with students expected to vacate the halls of residence, except those in College of Health Science.
Kiama urged international students to take advantage of available international flights to go home and those with challenges to seek assistance from the university.
All members of staff are to work from home with effect from yesterday subject to appropriate work plans, schedules and targets as managed by Heads of Department except those involved in provision of essential services.
“The management and Senate will continually review the situation and advise the university community progressively,” said Kiama.
Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) Vice-Chancellor, Prof Stephen Mbugua Ngari also announced that it has suspended face to face learning and reverted to online. “The university immediately resumes online learning to complete the semester. All examinations are going to be administered online,” said Prof Mbugua.
Prof Mbugua said the directorate of examinations and time tabling, in conjunction with directorate of open and distance e-learning will develop an exam time table for this semester’s exam and availed to all.
The situation was, however, different at the Technical University of Mombasa where normal in-person classes continued uninterrupted.
Sent home
The University’s Student Organisation (TUMSO) deputy president Eugene Musungu told People Daily that exams were ongoing, pending a communication from the university Senate.
“Exams are ongoing, no interruptions so far. We expect the university’s Senate to communicate this week,” said Musungu.
The People Daily has learnt that those undertaking exams are set to close next month, to allow new students to report, at least according to this semester’s schedule.
However, an official from the university’s administration who did not want to be named said students who were supposed to report next month for physical learning will be forced to wait as their travel from upcountry has been curtailed.
At Egerton University, the Registrar Academic Affairs also announced the institution’s closure for students in Njoro and Nakuru Town except for medical students.
“To facilitate travelling, students are required to carry along their National ID and University ID or Letter of Offer. All students are advised to keep checking the University website regularly for updates and observe precautionary measures as per the Ministry of Health regulations during this period,” read a notice from Registrar.
It was the same script at Laikipia University, which ordered immediate closure until further notice.
“Students are advised to leave the university as soon as possible,” read a notice dated March 26.
At KCA University, all learning has been shifted to online, with the few exams earlier scheduled for face-to-face administration will now be done through remote assessment system.
Exams for first year students which were scheduled to start yesterday have been pushed to April 1 onwards. The university said that information regarding upcoming May – August semester will be issued in due course.
At Kenyatta University, second and third year, Semester 1 students only resumed physical learning on March 22, having ended online learning on March 12.
