In a landmark ruling, the High Court has commanded Kenyatta University to compensate former student Nyambura Kimani with a staggering KSh 850,000, sending ripples through the academic community.
What was the reason for ordering KU to pay KSh 850k?
Following the university’s failure to disclose Nyambura’s scores from the continuous assessment test (CAT), she was unable to graduate, leading to this outcome.
On Thursday, May 22, Judge Lawrence Mugambi issued a decision mandating the organization to add Nyambura to the subsequent graduation list. The judge based this order on breaches of her constitutional rights and principles of administrative fairness.
“The court’s decision stated that the petitioner’s legitimate expectations as outlined in Article 47 of the Constitution have been violated by the respondents. The judgment includes an instruction for the issuance of a writ of mandamus directing the respondents to disclose the CAT scores for UCU104 and permit the petitioner to be considered for inclusion in the first available graduation roster of the first respondent,” reads the ruling excerpt.
Mugambi also mentioned that a statement was made asserting Kenyatta University’s decision not to disclose her grades for graduation was an unreasonable and unjust administrative act. This violation contravened Article 47 of the Constitution as well as the applicant’s rightful expectations.
Considering the aforementioned points, the directives that fit this petition are as follows: Awarding KShs. 850,000/- to the petitioner for the infringement of their right to fair administrative conduct as outlined in Article 47 of the Constitution,” the judgment continued.
Nyambura enrolled at the university in September 2009 to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a focus on Marketing.
Even though she completed her coursework in December 2013, she did not appear on the graduation list as some grades were still outstanding.
One of the deficient modules was UCU 104, Introduction to Entrepreneurship. Nyambura mentioned that she encountered challenges getting her grades but was informed by the university that they had not received her CAT scores.
What was Nyambura’s response after she won her case?
Following her victory in court, Nyamburer expressed her happiness by sharing the news on social media after a long legal struggle.
“I took legal action against Kenyatta University and emerged victorious. The High Court made a ruling in my favor on May 22, 2025, concerning the case: Nyambura Kimani v Kenyatta University & Dr. Linda Kimencu (HCCHRPET/E197/2023),” her statement said.
“After years of frustration because KU wouldn’t allow me to graduate due to a missing grade for an elective course (UCU 104 – Introduction to Entrepreneurship), I took legal action with @HusseinOmarLLP representing me, and we emerged victorious,” she stated.
She likewise commended both herself and her legal team for their unwavering quest for justice.
“I want to express my gratitude to all those who have supported me throughout this journey,” she said additionally.
