Why 13 Moi University students are laughing all the way to the bank

The High Court has ordered 13 students from Moi University to be paid Sh50,000 each after the college failed to include them in the list of graduates despite meeting the criteria.

In her ruling, Justice Pauline Nyamweya awarded the students the money as nominal damages noting that the university infringed on their rights.

“A declaration is hereby issued that the respondents actions of not including the petitioners in the final list of graduates for the 38th graduation ceremony scheduled for August 22, 2019 was discriminatory and violated the petitioners rights to dignity, freedom from psychological torture and fair administration action contrary to the Constitution,” ruled the Judge.

Justice Nyamweya further compelled the university to undertake all necessary internal procedures required to include the students in the next graduation list and ceremony within 90 days

The students were petitioned the court last week seeking to block the university from conducting the 38th graduation ceremony.

The petitioners are Violet Atieno, Obegi Ochweri, Ndirangu Tabitha, Verah Manyonyi, Maureen Kwamboka, Yvonne Buluma, Omondi Akinyi, John Muthoni, Sarah Wanjiku, Jakoyo Akinyi, Ruth Mwangi, Karanja Waithera, Patience Kamutu Urgue.

They had informed the court that on August 11, Moi University failed to include them in the list of graduates despite having met all the requirements.

Further, they argued that their exclusion from the graduation list was illegal, unlawful and breach of their constitutional right.

“Being concerned for students who have worked hard for their degree course, having paid fees when required and done their due diligence and follow-up for their graduation but who now risk not graduating on August 22, justifies the grants of conservatory orders and temporary injunction to protect and enforce the rights and fundamental freedoms of the Bill of rights," said Justice Nyamweya.