NAIROBI—Garissa University College is set to be reopened Monday nine months after it was attacked by the Somalia based militant group Al Shabab. More than 147 students and staff members were killed and scores others injured in the dawn attack.
Regional leaders and activists who pushed for its reopening have camped at the University premises since Saturday with last-minute preparations going on.
In his address to the Nation during the Jamuhuri Day celebrations at the Nyayo National Stadium, President Uhuru Kenyatta made the announcement of its reopening. Prior to the announcement, his Deputy, William Ruto was in Garissa and assured area resident of the government’s commitment to reopen the university.
Professor DR. Ahmed Osman Warfa, the Principal of the institution, a constituent college of Moi University said the reopening was significant as it marked the beginning of new chapter.
“The reopening of the University is a glitter of hope for the education of the region,” he said. He added that a police post was set up within the compound of the institution with 25 officers attached to it to repel future attacks and assure the country and the students of their safety. Its perhaps the most secure educational institution in the country.
He stated that former students who witnessed the slaughter of their colleagues would not come back since they have been admitted afresh at the Moi University main campus in Eldoret town.
“We are calling on new students, particularly from the region to come and join the university in solidarity,” he urged.
The university currently has 60 students made up of locals and non-local students.
“We wish to admit more students come September intake,” he added.
“We have fought for its reopening and we wish to stand with it until that time when everything will come back to normalcy,” he said.