Campus politics

By Nelly Obadha

Campus politics are a lot like the national politics. They are cutthroat, murky and marred with allegations of corruption, hooliganism and riots.

According to some of the University of Nairobi (UoN) student leaders interviewed, the process of electing student leaders is expensive and time consuming. To stand a chance of being elected at the UoN for example, one must campaign in all the campuses including Kabete, Kikuyu, among others.

There is also the need to ‘oil the wheels’ by throwing parties or buying food and drink for voters among other things. Not many women take up the challenge but a few do, meet Anastasia, Caroline and Nancy.

Nancy Achieng Abira

Nancy, 23, is a Fifth Year Civil Engineering student at the UoN and also a student leader.

When did you start getting involved in campus politics?

I got involved in actual politics when I joined campus.

What made you vie for student leadership?

The person who first got me interested in politics is my dad. He liked politics and he would read many political papers and articles.

My other political mentor, when I joined campus, was Linda Ogweno, a student leader then. She taught me a lot in the art of politics.

What were your greatest challenges when you were a leader?

Balancing between studies and leadership responsibilities has been very tough. At one point, I found myself the class representative, the school-based association official and also a member of the student council, and it was such a hectic period.

The other challenge is limited time. Sonu student leadership is only a one-year term, which is not enough to achieve much. There is discontinuity because campus politics, just like the national politics, is about the person rather than the functions.

What are the challenges you faced during the campaign period?

The campaign period is very challenging, but also interesting. Making first appearances, selling policies and getting opinions was fun. The hard part comes when you have to deal with the lack of funds and the power of propaganda. It ceases to be about you and your policies.

What drove you participate in campus politics?

My main goal was to work with other young women to create awareness on issues affecting the society and to be prepared for greater leadership responsibilities beyond campus.

What were your greatest achievements?

As a gender affairs secretary, I was able to address many gender related problems. Being there for my fellow students, creating forums for information sharing and access to various organisations also top my success list.

What positions have you held to date?

I have been class representative since 2006. In 2007 and 2008, I was at the secretariat in Sonu. In 2008 and 2009, I was Assistant Academic Secretary (ESA) and I have been Sonu gender affairs secretary since last year.