Outspoken SONU vice Chair Irene Kendi could be among student leaders to watch this year, if her recent sentiments are anything to go by.
In an interview with Capital Campus, Irene hinted at a future beyond campus politics.
“My term at SONU is soon coming to an end. I have no regrets, but this is not my end, I will be in the next national government,” said Irene, who did not want to divulge more information about her next move.
During the interview, Irene, commonly known as ‘Mama Yao’, outlined SONU’s achievements in 2014, adding they had worked hard to redeem the lost glory of the once vibrant regional students’ body.
“We have addressed cases of insecurity, ensured the administration reinstates expelled students, restored the glory of SONU, and initiated mentorship programs,” she said.
She revealed that SONU played a key role in ensuring Prof Peter Mbithi is appointed the new VC, taking over from Prof George Magoha.
“Because of SONU, UoN got a new VC without any chaos. We are also proud that H.E President Uhuru has visited us three times.”
At a personal level, Irene Kendi says she is proud of bringing together all campus female leaders under the umbrella-KUFSLA- Kenya University Female Student Leaders Association.
“I was recognized as the student leader of the year in Africa, during a Summit in Ghana in July, which opened other doors.”
Irene Kendi, Education student at Kikuyu Campus admits that the day UoN David Osano (a student accused of raping a female student) was her lowest moment as a leader.
“It hit me hard because it is my mandate to protect all female students. Again, I was away in Ghana and there was little I could do when comrades needed me,” she concluded.
University of Nairobi students go to the polls in the next three months to elect new leaders. It is likely to be a cutthroat election, with current SONU chair Babu Owino showing signs of vying for the third time.
