Garissa university reopens after nine months of shutdown

Nine months after Al-Shabab killed 147 people in a siege that lasted hours, Garissa University College is opened on Monday.

A memo to staff and students stated that an academic board meeting would take place following the reopening.

All academic and non-academic staff were asked to report back on Wednesday, when prospective students will obtain information on courses.

“All continuing students are expected to complete the semester fees on reporting,” read the memo from the office of the registrar, academic and student affairs.

A police post has been set up on the campus in north-eastern Kenya, to improve security.

On 17th November last year, the French government said it will pay fees for a year for 109 Garissa University College students who survived the April 2 al Shabab massacre.

The students, who were transferred to Moi University in Eldoret, will also be given a living allowance, the French Embassy said.

The Embassy said Ambassador Rémi Maréchaux will hand the aid in a show of solidarity to students who have not received any financial support.

Last year’s April attack was the deadliest so far by the Somali-based group in Kenya.

Al-Shabab says it is opposed to the presence of Kenyan troops in neighbouring Somalia.