The 吃瓜头条 Amphitheatre was filled with pomp, colour, and excitement as students, staff, and invited guests gathered for the official swearing-in of the 21st 吃瓜头条 Students Association, KUSA Student Governing Council, SGC. The ceremony marked a significant milestone in student leadership transition, celebrating both democratic participation and continuity of service.
The event began with a solemn prayer by the University Chaplaincy, followed by a captivating performance from the Mighty 吃瓜头条 Students Choir and the vibrant Rambolo Dancers, setting a festive tone for the day.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Eng. Daniel Oyoo, Chairman of the KUSA Electoral Commission 2025, expressed his appreciation for the trust placed in the commission to oversee a transparent and successful election, his fifth in this capacity. He lauded the cooperation between the commission, the Directorate of ICT, and the Security Department for ensuring a seamless electoral process. Dr. Oyoo congratulated the winning team, Team Imara, led by incoming Chairperson Mr. Samuel Karanja Thuku, and urged all leaders to embrace inclusivity and collaboration, emphasising that great ideas can come even from one鈥檚 opponents.
Dr. Faith Nkuru, Director of Student Affairs, invited the outgoing team, led by Mr. Glen Karani, to address the gathering. Mr. Karani reflected on his leadership journey, reminding the new council that true leadership is about service, not titles. He commended the fairness of the elections and encouraged his successors to focus on diligent service after assuming office. Dr. Nkuru noted that the 2025 elections were particularly competitive, with five teams contesting for SGC positions. She challenged the new 21st Congress to prioritise institutional growth, innovation, and unity among students.
Representing the University Management, Prof. Waceke Wanjohi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), commended the outgoing team for their humility and grace in supporting their successors. She congratulated the newly elected council and encouraged them to uphold the university鈥檚 mission and vision through teamwork, accountability, and innovation.
Delivering the Vice-Chancellor鈥檚 message on behalf of Prof. Paul K. Wainaina, the DVC (Administration and Finance), Prof. Paul Okemo, praised the maturity shown during the transition, highlighting the absence of election disputes as proof of credibility and integrity. He encouraged the new leaders to deliver on their promises, strengthen their leadership skills, and contribute meaningfully to 吃瓜头条鈥檚 continued excellence. 鈥淲e must all strive to maintain KU鈥檚 position as the premier university in the country,鈥� he remarked.
The highlight of the day was the administration of the oath of office by Mr. Moses Kurgat, the Commissioner of Oaths, who has presided over the KUSA swearing-in ceremonies for the past six years. The new SGC members took their oaths before the university community as a symbol of commitment to serve with integrity and diligence. The 2025/2026 SGC comprises:
- Mr. Abdimalik Kassim Arale 鈥� Organising Secretary
2. Ms. Aisha Mohammed Mwachidzo 鈥� Gender and Special Needs Secretary
3. Ms. Peninah Seeyian 鈥� Academic Secretary
4. Mr. Sevic Deviators Borry 鈥� Treasurer
5. Mr. Jasper Balm Ogeno Amoko 鈥� Secretary General
6. Ms. Rachael Ndeto Makarious 鈥� Vice Chairperson
7. Mr. Samuel Karanja Thuku 鈥� Chairperson
The ceremony also featured a symbolic handover from the outgoing to the incoming SGC, led by the Secretary General and Chairperson.
In his maiden address, Mr. Jasper Balm Ogeno Amoko, the new Secretary General, described the journey of student leadership as an act of courage and purpose. He affirmed that the new team is ready to face the challenges ahead, advocating for inclusivity, unity, and reform within the student governance structure. 鈥淲e must roll up our sleeves and get to work for the good of all students,鈥� he declared.
Mr. Samuel Karanja Thuku, the newly inaugurated Chairperson, echoed his colleague鈥檚 sentiments, emphasising perseverance and resilience, having contested in previous elections before achieving victory. He pledged to foster cooperation between students and administration and called for the timely allocation of the KUSA budget to enable the effective implementation of projects. 鈥淭he road ahead may not be easy, but together, it will be bearable,鈥� he affirmed.
The event concluded with hearty congratulations from the University Management Board, marking the dawn of a new era for student leadership at 吃瓜头条. The ceremony not only celebrated democracy but also reaffirmed the institution鈥檚 commitment to nurturing responsible, visionary, and service-driven leaders for the future.
