It seems that the air is rife with the spirit of change, and now students are among the many eager to spark change and improve the education system to suit them better. Kenyatta University students, however, seem to have a different view on how change should be encouraged.
According to recent developments online, Kenyatta University Student Association President Joshua Ayika sent a memo to call for demonstrations against the varsity administration. According to the signed memo, Ayika wrote “This is to inform you that the administration under its management has unsuccessfully heeded our pleas to intervene the grievances issued by our students of this humble institution. The irreducible minimums highlighted therein our letters to negotiate terms within our letters to negotiate terms with our administration has failed due to the inconsideration of the students. This clearly stipulates the stand of the administration, has against the will of the students’ welfare. In accordance with the power vested upon me by the student fraternity, the administration of this school and the will to serve as the President of this great institution, I forthwith advise the resumption of our demonstration, until the irreducible minimum is met. To satisfy mutual consignment…”
As Ayika’s fate hangs in the balance, the peaceful demonstration against the varsity’s poor leadership including Vice-Chancellor Paul Wainaina has gained mixed reactions. Aside from the viral #TumechokaAyika, students are set to make their thoughts known in a peaceful march today at 6.30 pm. But not all students.
#TumechokaAyika Mara ooh Ayika must go Mara ooh… Look change is inevitable. If WAINAINA cannot address students grievances let him go. pic.twitter.com/FK37n9GHtc
— Chamsy (@reformedocham) October 28, 2019
The attempt to politicize a private agenda annoyed many students as it is suspected that the call for demonstrations was after Ayika differed with varsity authorities about his ability to graduate.
This man should seat with all KU stakeholders & iron out issues. Comrades wanachelewa graduation year or handing in their projects, he's trying to make a name for himself at the expense of students! It's enough #TumechokaAyika
— JOE (@josagana) October 28, 2019
Sadly for Ayika, students have caught on to his ploy to manipulate them for his personal gain. And it seems enough is enough of K.U students. In a series of tweets, it is clear that Kenyatta University students are less than impressed by their leadership. Instead, they have opted to boycott the said demostration.
It might be fun to participate but in the long run it has nothing repercussions to the learners #TumechokaAyika pic.twitter.com/nX4iGsPUIU
— KabarakFinest001 (@KabarakFinest01) October 28, 2019
#TumechokaAyika
Listen to me KU students, one man's selfish interests will cost us valuable time
~boycott this call for strike— James Wambua™ ✪ (@wambuajames_) October 28, 2019
Ayika expects the school to massage his ego while he leads the destruction and waste of time. Students want to go back to class!#TumechokaAyika
— Enock (@enock_kiptanui) October 28, 2019
But what might be more worrisome is the fact that as Ayika calls for demonstrations; using the student body to see through his own personal woes, there are several actual matters that do require urgent attention. Among them is the growing insecurity with the environs of Kenyatta University. According to a post on Twitter, student security has become a growing concern as local bandits attack students after their late classes.
Students have also been mugged at night in this area hence the need to put up the bridge and light the area for their own security. But Ayika and his goons can't see this. #TumechokaAyika
— MIKE MARSHALL PRINCE (@MikeMarshallKE) October 28, 2019
According to a recent blog post, there are several matters that need to be sorted out. Here are some of the most important factors that affect K.U students:
1.An extension of the fee payment deadline.
2. Students being forcefully directed to use the flyover at the Nyayo zone.
3. Suspension of students and student leaders due to flimsy reasons.
4. Graduation fee being revised upwards from Ksh 3500 to 6000.
5. Scrapping off of supplementary fee for specific courses In which supplementary exams are offered like law and medicine.
6. Poor service delivery in school when it comes to the replacement of student ID cards.
7.The unlawful termination of up to 700 casual workers without sufficient prior notice.
8. Resignation of Vice-Chancellor Paul Wainaina
By the look of things, Kenyatta University’s student fraternity is in need of better leadership; and the students will not settle for mediocre.