Meru University of Science and Technology has offered Diana Chepkemoi a job and housing on campus to assist her to finish her education without a hassle.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, university Vice Chancellor Prof. Romanus Odhiambo acknowledged that Chepkemoi is a student who had deferred her studies due to financial difficulties in 2018.

Prof. Odhiambo, while regretting the events that occurred after Chepkemoi took a break, stated that the institution is willing to reinstate her and provide her with a job through the work-study program so that she can 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 during the deferral period, and that she had previously attempted to change her course but did not report back even after the request was granted.

“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 also thanked those who helped bring Chepkemoi’s plight to light, resulting in her rescue, and stated 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.