The Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) has issued a new advisory over the January 2021 scheduled reopening of learning institutions.
In a notice seen by Kenyans.co.ke, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Robert Kinyua gave students a 12-day timeline to pick property from residential halls on Friday, August 7.
"You are required to collect all your belongings from the hostels between Monday, August 17, and Friday, August 28," Kinyua directed.
The institution stated that the decision was based on CS George Magoha's directive instructing universities to embark on various preparatory activities in line with the guidelines set by the Ministry of Health to curb the spread of Coronavirus (Covid-19).
Some of the activities include re-arrangement of hostel facilities to accommodate fewer residents and fumigation of all rooms.
JKUAT stated that hotel staff would be availed to clear students on normal working hours except on weekends.
"We shall not be able to take care of your belongings not collected after the deadline," students were warned while also urged to adhere to Covid-19 measures, sanitising, social-distancing and wearing of masks.
In Kakamega County, students are counting losses after residents broke into various hostels outside campus premises and stole household goods. The most affected areas are Milimani, Kefinco, Koromatangi and Showground estates.
It is alleged that the gangs break into households even during the day. Students left their property in the hands of caretakers and landlords.
On Thursday, July 30, Magoha announced that colleges and universities would remain closed until January 2021.
In a statement, Magoha noted that most institutions were not well prepared to enforce the prevention measures as recommended by the Health Ministry.
"All Teachers Training Colleges (TTCs), Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVETs) and Universities will reopen for face-to-face sessions in January 2021.
"A robust multi-sectoral approach will be employed to step up preparedness for reopening in compliance with MoH protocols on mitigating the Covid-19 effects," he stated.
