University of Nairobi Apologizes After Memo Shifting Blame on Raped Student Sparks Outrage

The University of Nairobi has issued an apology after a memo addressing the rape of a female student at the institution sparked public uproar.

The memo released on Tuesday claimed the student, who was allegedly raped by three men, was to blame for the incident, a claim that angered Kenyans on social media.

In a statement on Wednesday, UoN Vice-Chancellor Stephen Kiama admitted that the memo that was authored by the acting director of security and safety services, was insensitive.

“I have noted that the memo was insensitive and did not represent the corporate values and the image of the University of Nairobi, and is highly regretted,” said Kiama.

In the memo, the university termed the rape incident as a clear case of recklessness by the rape victim. It alleged that the affected student went out drinking in various entertainment joints in the city and returned to the university “drunk” and “alone”.

"A female student entertained herself in various joints in the City and decided to walk all alone (drunk) from City centre to the hostels at SWA. Unfortunately, she met her assailants,” read part of the memo.

“In all the 3 incidences reported since last year, a clear case of recklessness in the part of our female students can be drawn,” the memo stated.

The memo gave students a raft of guidelines that they should follow to ensure their safety at the institution.

Kenyans online criticized the university accusing it of propagating the rape culture by blaming the victims.