‘Welcome back’: Meru University offers Diana Chepkemoi a job, accommodation to complete studies

The Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) has proposed to re-enrol Diana Chepkemoi as a student, hours after she returned to Kenya from Saudi Arabia following her viral distressing ordeal.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the university Vice Chancellor Prof. Romanus Odhiambo acknowledged that Chepkemoi is a student at the institution who had deferred her studies over financial challenges back in 2018.

Prof. Odhiambo, while regretting the events that befell Chepkemoi after she took a break, said the institution is willing to reinstate her, and give her a job under the work-study programme to enable her complete her studies while fending for herself.

“Ms Chepkemoi is a student at MUST. She was admitted to MUST during the 2017 - 2018 academic year on 31st August 2017 to study Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Management under the School of Agriculture and Food Science. Ms Chepkemoi studied the programme for the first semester of the academic year. She submitted a letter of deferral due to financial constraints on 29th August 2018. The request was granted,” stated the VC.

“We welcome back Ms Diana Chepkemoi, a member of the MUST family, to the university to complete her studies. We have informed her family of the support we shall offer her in order to successfully complete her studies. The university will place Ms Chepkemoi under the student work-study programme, a platform designed to empower needy students.”

He added: “She will enjoy a flexible schedule to study and serve within the university library. Ms Chepkemoi will be granted accommodation within the university.”

The VC explained that the institution was unaware of Chepkemoi’s whereabouts for the period of the deferral, adding that she had previously sought to change her course but did not report back even after the request was assented to.

“Ms Chepkemoi applied for a course transfer on 15th May 2019 to study for a Bachelor of Education Arts. The course transfer request was granted; however, she did not report back,” stated Prof. Odhiambo.

The Vice Chancellor further appreciated the people who helped bring Chepkemoi’s plight to light thereby leading to her rescue, also pointing out that the university had already reached out to her family.

“We commend everyone who played a part in sharing her story and ensuring we have her in safe hands. This goes to show the power of unity and love within our great country,” he said.