On top of being the hub of comrades-student affairs on campus, university student unions offer various services, activities and programs which attract new students and the public in large. In Kenya, there has been an effort to create a nationwide active student union but it has not been successful though there is a standing “dormant” nationwide students union. Despite that, there are some student unions in Kenya which are doing an amazing job and thus remaining the focus of the media. However, there are other student unions in Kenya that we have listed which have not received any media attention but are amazing. The following are the top campus student unions in Kenya.
Student organization of Nairobi university (SONU)
Student organization of Nairobi University began its operation in 1982 as the main body representing UON students. The first SONU chairman was Tito Adungosi and the current SONU chairman is Babu Owino. Sadly, the first SONU chairman died in prison after being sentenced to 10 years imprisonment after the 1982 attempted coup. Some of the now famous people who were SONU officials are James Orengo, Makau Mutua, Mwendawiro Mganga, Miguna Miguna, and Kabando wa Kabando. SONU still remains the most vibrant student union which is in the focus of the media.
Kenyatta University student association (KUSA)
Kenyatta University student association was established in 30 years ago. It later collapsed when all student unions were banned during the struggle of multiparty democracy. Since then KUSA has been inactive and was reborn in 2004. It is one of the most active student unions in Kenya. Lone Felix is the current president of KUSA and has severally been in the media limelight defending student welfare.
Moi University Students Organization (MUSO)
Moi University Students Organization is believed to have been founded in the year 1987. Just like any other student union its functions are to express and represent student issues and welfare. There are eleven student governing council directors elected to represent MUSO. The current MUSO Chair is Kipsaro Arap Boit. Kipsaro is known to be one of the most eloquent student leaders in Kenya and holds a large influence in universities located in the rift valley part of Kenya.
Student Organization of Maseno University (SOMU)
There is no clear data to confirm when SOMU was established but it is believed to have started its operation after 2000 when Maseno University was ratified to be a fully fledged university. It is one of the most active student union influencing campus politics in the larger Nyanza province. Charles Juma is the current (2014) president of SOMU.
Student union of Egerton University (SUEU)
There is no exact data which indicate when SUEU was established. Little was known about this union by many in Kenya about fives years ago but it is currently one of the most active student unions in Kenya. The current president of SUEU is Vicent Hono.
Mount Kenya University Students Association ( MKUSA)
Mount Kenya University Students Association is one the top rising student unions in Kenya. Mount Kenya University has invested a lot in marketing which besides helping in improving the brand image of MKU has helped in improving the brand image of its student union. Mount Kenya University Students Association is led by eleven members. The first Uasin Gishu Senator Hon. Isaac Melly served as a MKUSA President. The current MKUSA president is Marvin Kimathi
Student Association of Technical University of Kenya (SATUK)
Student Association of Technical University of Kenya is ranked as one of the youngest but fastest rising student unions in Kenya. It was established in October 2013. If you don’t know, in the just concluded Nyeri 2014 drama festivals SATUKmembers were ranked as the most prolific in Kenya.
A lot f effort has been made to research and compile this comprehensive list. However, if you are not contended with list you can let us know in the comment section below what we need to improve on. We love corrections and observations.
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