Thanks for the phone call this morning. As agreed, below please find the explanations on the delay.

 

First, thank you for bring the team's concerns to my attention. It is good to know when things are not going well so that they can be addressed in good time. 

 

With respect to the delayed bookings of the visa appointments, there was a hitch because two of the students did not have their passports in good time; primarily because the passport office had indicated that they were not printing passports for lack of passport booklets. I can confirm that Zack and Mercy have spent quite some time looking to get the passports, including talking not just to the university administration, but also to the ministry of education, which is how, in fact, the passports were made available to them. I can also confirm that they made their bookings immediately the passports were made available.

 

I understand that the team's concerns include whether or not, with appointments on August 26, it will be possible for the students to make their applications successfully. In my opinion, it is possible to get the visas processed and ready within the period. As I understand, the travel date is September 9th. It is, therefore, possible for the visa process to go on, it takes 15 days, which is the exact time available.

 

Regarding the possibility of excluding Zack and Mercy; it would be a pity and a great disappointment for two reasons. First is that they are both quite keen to be part of the process and are representatives of the largest student union in the country, representing over 80,000 students at the University of Nairobi. Secondly, they are the newest elected leaders and with the student leader's tenure only being for twelve months, they have the est chances of using whatever knowledge they will get effectively. Thirdly, I understand the concerns raised about their seriousness and whether or not they would be able to send back the requisite documents in the event that the visas are denied, to enable the team get a refund of the Euro 10,000 deposited. In response to these concerns, let me give a personal guarantee, especially in respect of Zack who I know quite well and who, in fact, is the person that is helping to coordinate the others. I am certain that Zack is responsible enough to ensure that any and all obligations to you are met, in any event. Besides, it is important to understand that ALL the students leaders have plenty of responsibilities within their schools, not just with their studies but also with a myriad of other duties related to their leadership positions. It'd make little sense, therefore, for them to retain the documents you will have sent, especially considering that the documents would at that point (assuming that the visas are not issued) be of little value to them. 

 

Zack and Mercy are part of a student's council at the University of Nairobi that manages and oversees an annual budget of over half a million Euros and are therefore quite responsible. However, if it is necessary, I can also give my personal guarantee that I will ensure that any obligations they have with you are met in a timely fashion; I understand the concerns you have.

 

I have asked for an explanation about the Kiti. I have communicated to the importance of not changing the arrangements made so far. I shall speak to Kiti directly and let you know what is going on. Meanwhile, none of the other students seem aware of her plans so I will get back to you when I have spoken with her directly.

 

I hope all is well now, but I shall iron out the issues as they crop up. I hope all will be dealt with in time.

 

Regards,