We grooved to soul music all night long at ‘Carni’- Teso South MP Mary Emase

I joined Kenyatta University in 1989 for a BA in Commerce, accounting major degree.

Campus was every student’s dream and we were village heroes who were much sought after to give direction on national matters.

I loved maths and not theoretical units like marketing, which involved a lot of reading.

I had ideas to run a business while studying at KU but never engaged in one for lack of capital. I received ‘boom,’ but coming from a humble background, I literally sent all of it to my mum to educate our siblings.

We lived to the fullest and enjoyed our youth to the fullest. We partied and I especially loved dancing to soul music during outings and on weekends.

We traversed Nairobi and explored many entertainment spots but loved Carnivore because of the live entertainment it offered. When the city became boring, we went up to Club Cascades in Thika.

I also played hockey to pass time. I was not active in student politics. My interest in politics came much later. I enjoyed design and tailoring and I should probably have been a designer!

Dating during our time was ‘genuine,’ unlike today, when it has been commercialised. I will never forget Pauline Gathuri, Peter Sigada and Jared Owuor, my classmates and campus buddies. Life was simple and easy and we didn’t pay for accommodation or food.

But during our last year, the government introduced the co-paying system. I almost dropped out of campus when my parents couldn’t raise Sh6,000.

Mary Emase graduated from KU in 1992 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce (accounting option). She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in strategic management from the same university.