CPS lead researcher Prof. Herman Manyora (pictured) said that “The new system is attractive to smaller universities because big universities like the University of Nairobi have a lot of interests and high-stake politics.”/CFM – MOSES MUOKI
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 24 – A new report released on Wednesday by CPS International shows 59 per cent of students in universities are happy with the newly introduced electoral college voting system for the election of union leaders at institutions of higher learning.
The study conducted across all the public and private institutions listed Technical University of Kenya and Machakos University among top five universities nationwide on the implementation of the Electoral College system.
The new system was introduced after amending the University Act (2012), in 2016 that did away with the popular voting system for students’ union executive posts and members of the governing bodies.
Mirroring the US Electoral College, the system comprises of an electoral body comprising electors who vote on behalf of the constituencies they represent as opposes to universal suffrage where every student votes directly for their preferred candidate.
According to the findings, Strathmore University, United States International University and KCA University lead in the adoption of the Electoral College system.
With the amendment, a uniform leadership structure for all universities was introduced for both public and private universities.
The structure also provides for representation from three special interest groups which include persons with disability, postgraduate and international students.
Sports, Games and entertainment representatives are also included.
CPS lead researcher Prof. Herman Manyora however said that “The new system is attractive to smaller universities because big universities like the University of Nairobi have a lot of interests and high-stake politics.”
The new report recommends the adoption of the Electoral College system by the rest of the institutions to enhance its awareness.
Overall, 85 per cent of the students were aware of the Electoral College System.
“It promotes national diversity, gender balance and reduces probability of violence during elections,” the report recommends.
Manyora nevertheless expressed reservations that the new system is prone to manipulation but said with intensified students’ leaders’ development and integrity initiatives it can work effectively.
“Student associations should conduct AGMs and students caucuses so as to increase transparency in unions,” recommended Manyora.
A Census method was employed in the research with respondents participating in face to face surveys, questionnaires, telephone interviews and focus group discussions.
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