JKUAT welcomes First year and Post-graduate students after COVID-19 break

By Dianne Patience,

JKUAT was a hive of activities on Monday 9th November, 2020, as First year students and Post-graduate students reported back for blended (face-to-face and online) learning. This was a long-awaited move especially for the new students who were thrilled to finally begin the one on one classes. On the other hand, the September 2019 intake students also reported and are now set to sit for the end of semester exams having closed back in March 2020 before doing so. The students, who showed an eager yearning for University life arrived and headed to their respective Schools/Departments for registration. Thereafter they headed to their respective hostels to settle in. The large numbers were a clear testimony to the excitement and thirst for knowledge.

The students had been studying online and had even managed to sit for CATS online. Speaking to an elated first-year student, Joshua Gitonga who is pursuing BSc. Food Science and Technology, he mentioned that even though he was comfortable learning from home, having constant provision from parents, he had really looked forward to coming to the university as it would give him a chance to personally consult with the lecturers and also makes it easier to access other services like the library and laboratories. 

Jomo Kenyatta University Student Association (JKUSA) officials and various clubs and societies were also present to assist and welcome the new students. They were especially helpful in directing the students to their different departments, reminding them to sanitize and maintain social distance, and of course, giving them advice on why it is important to join the clubs and societies and also to participate in the student associations. 

Despite the large numbers, by the end of the day, most of the students had already settled in. Mr. Samuel Gathieri from the School of Architecture and Building Sciences mentioned that he was pleased with the turnout. “The students have come in very large numbers and we are very happy. We are also pleased that they have been following the guidelines set by the MOH. I would like to welcome them to the school and the university at large,” he concluded. 

To our First year 2020/2021 students we would like to welcome you to the university. We hope that you will take this opportunity to use the resources that have now been availed to you and work hard to achieve your dreams and make a good life for yourself. To the Postgraduate students and First-year second Semester students, we would also like to welcome you back after the very long break. 

Communication on when the 2nd year students and 3rd year students will report will soon be made. We urge the students to be patient as we gradually initiate the process. Our priority is to ensure that all the students are safe and we can contain the spread of COVID-19 Virus.