For both staff and students at the University of Nairobi (UON), the university’s Virtual Private Network (VPN) service plays an essential role in accessing internal resources remotely. Whether you need to check sensitive information, access internal databases, or connect securely from outside the campus, the UONBI VPN ensures that your connection is private, encrypted, and secure. In this blog post, we will walk you through all the details of accessing and using the UON VPN. We’ll cover key features, eligibility requirements, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to log in to the VPN portal, including using the FortiClient app.
What is UONBI VPN?
The University of Nairobi VPN (Virtual Private Network) allows students and staff to access the university’s internal network resources from anywhere in the world. This VPN creates a secure connection between your device and the university’s network, ensuring the privacy of your data.
With the UONBI VPN, you can access services that are usually restricted to on-campus users, such as:
- University library resources
- Academic records and portals
- Faculty-specific resources
- Research databases and other sensitive information
Key Features of UONBI VPN
1. Secure Connection:
The VPN ensures that all communications between your device and the UON network are encrypted, preventing unauthorized access.
2. Remote Access:
You can access UON resources from anywhere, even when you are not on campus.
3. FortiClient Integration:
The UONBI VPN uses FortiClient for secure login, which enhances user privacy and connection stability.
4. Staff and Student Access:
Both staff members and students have dedicated login portals for accessing the VPN.
Eligibility to Use UONBI VPN
To use the UONBI VPN, you must be either:
- A current staff member of the University of Nairobi
- A registered student with an active University of Nairobi account
Additionally, users must have a valid UON Active Directory (AD) account. This account is used to authenticate access to various university services, including the VPN.
How to Log In to the UONBI VPN
Follow this step-by-step guide to log into the UONBI VPN:
Step 1: Visit the UON VPN Login Portal
To start, go to the UON VPN portal using the following URL: vpn.uonbi.ac.ke.
Step 2: Select Your User Type
Depending on whether you are a student or a staff member, you will need to select the appropriate login portal:
- Staff Login: Use the STAFF login section for employees.
- Student Login: Use the STUDENT login section for students.
Step 3: Enter Your Credentials
In the login page, you will need to enter:
- Username: This is your Active Directory (AD) username assigned by UON.
- Password: Use your UON AD password. If you have forgotten your password, there is an option to recover or reset it.
For example:
- Staff Login Portal:
- Student Login Portal:
Step 4: Launch FortiClient (Optional)
In certain cases, the VPN will require you to install and use FortiClient, a secure software tool for VPN access:
- Download and install FortiClient from the official website.
- Once installed, launch FortiClient and input your UON credentials to connect.
Step 5: Start Using UON Resources
Once logged in, you can now access all internal resources that are otherwise restricted when off-campus.
Troubleshooting Common VPN Login Issues
While using the UON VPN, you may encounter a few issues. Below are some common problems and solutions:
- Forgotten Username or Password:
If you cannot remember your username or password, there are self-service options available on the portal to reset your credentials. - Expired Password:
If your password has expired, you can reset it using the AD Password Self-Service Tool. - Unable to Connect:
If you have followed all the steps but cannot connect, check if your FortiClient is updated, and ensure your internet connection is stable. If the problem persists, contact UON’s ICT department.
Important Dates for VPN Access
VPN access is available year-round for all staff and students with active AD accounts. However, it is essential to ensure your account credentials are up to date. If you’re a new student or staff member, your AD account will be created during the onboarding process, and you should ensure your access is operational before critical academic periods, such as exam preparation.
Conclusion
The University of Nairobi’s VPN service is a powerful tool that enables secure, remote access to university resources. Whether you are a student looking to access learning materials or a staff member needing to access work documents from home, UONBI VPN ensures that you can do so safely and securely. Follow the steps outlined in this guide to ensure a smooth login process, and keep your credentials secure to avoid disruptions. If you encounter any issues, remember that help is just a click away via the UON ICT support services.