Co-opting students to curb unrest

By TITUS TOO

Many schools now give students a say in the running of school to curb unrest and indiscipline.

Student representation and other administrative issues have been blamed for student strikes that have in the past led to loss of lives and destruction of property running into millions of shillings.

To address the problem, some secondary schools in the North Rift have given students a free hand to democratically elect their leaders to enable students feel they are involved in management.

Eldoret’s Uasin Gishu High, a mixed day school, recently elected their prefects. Candidates submitted their numbers an appointed election board and were given a campaign period.

Poll results were last released electronically.

REVOLUTION

"Our students have been demanding positive revolution unlike the old systems where teachers solely picked student leaders," said Mr Joab Kasi, the Dean of Students.

Kasi said students were allowed to propose candidates for all posts including that of the Head Boy, Head girl and heads of departments.

There was 48 elective posts of prefect and 870 students participated in the elections, he said.

"The Uasin Gishu High School Independent Electoral body sensitised student and vetted candidates and monitored the elections," the dean said.

"The vetting was successful since all candidates nominated for seats were acceptable to the administration. They were disciplined, influential and committed to academic endeavours."

There was a three-week campaign period, with every Tuesday being set aside for a school debate where all nominees sold their policies before the students.