End-Term Review and Leadership Transition Training for UNSA 2025/2026 Leaders

The University through the Office of the Dean of Students successfully convened a two-day End-Term Review and Leadership Transition Training for the 2025/2026 University of Nairobi Students Association (UNSA) leaders on March 16–17, 2026 at Travellers Beach Hotel in Mombasa. The forum brought together student leaders and University Management  to reflect on the 2025/2026 leadership term, celebrate achievements, and shape the future of student governance at the University of Nairobi.

Reflecting on Leadership and Strengthening Collaboration

The event commenced with a spiritual devotion led by University Chaplain Rev. Hosea Mitei, emphasizing the importance of spiritually grounded leadership. The Dean of Students, Mr. Johnson Kinyua, set the tone by outlining the objectives of the end-term review, highlighting accountability, reflection, and continuity.

In his welcome remarks, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) Prof. Ayub Gitau underscored the critical role of student leadership in advancing the university’s mission. “I wish to emphasize the importance of maintaining academic excellence while serving in leadership roles. As student leaders, you are first and foremost students of the University of Nairobi. Your leadership responsibilities should complement, not compromise, your academic pursuits. In fact, student leaders should be role models who demonstrate that it is possible to balance leadership responsibilities with strong academic performance”, he said.

This was followed by a keynote address from Vice Chancellor Prof. Margaret J. Hutchinson, who called for stronger collaboration between student leaders and university administration to foster a more responsive and inclusive institution. In her speech, she further highlighted that “Effective student leadership thrives when there is trust, communication, and collaboration between student representatives and the university administration. At the University of Nairobi, we firmly believe that students are key stakeholders in the governance and development of the institution. Your voices, ideas, and contributions play an important role in shaping a vibrant and responsive university community”.

Showcasing Achievements and Addressing Challenges

A key highlight of Day One was the presentation of reports by the UNSA Council of Chairpersons and the UNSA Executive Council, led by Chairperson Derrick Troy Rusana. The reports detailed significant achievements, ongoing challenges, and strategic recommendations aimed at enhancing student representation and service delivery.

The university management, represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor (HRA) Prof. John Mande, provided an institutional response, affirming the administration’s commitment to addressing key concerns raised by student leaders.

Building Leadership Capacity

The training sessions focused on equipping student leaders with essential skills for effective leadership. Topics included emotional intelligence, resilience, and overcoming peer pressure, delivered by Prof. Jeremiah Kalai, Dean, Faculty of Education.

The day culminated in an award ceremony where outgoing student leaders were recognized and awarded certificates of service by the Vice Chancellor, celebrating their dedication and impact during their term.

Preparing Leaders for the Future

Day Two centered on leadership sustainability and emerging global trends. Prof. Jackson Maalu, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Finance, Planning & Development spoke on personal growth, mentorship, and professional development beyond university life, while Prof. Winfred Kamau, Dean, Faculty of Law addressed the intersection of artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, and governance.

Further insights were shared by Prof. Collins Odote, Associate Dean, faculty of Law on navigating leadership in a globalized world, and Ms. Lucy Gikundi highlighted the importance of mental health awareness among students.

A brief plenary session moderated by the Dean of Students, Johnson Kinyua provided a platform for open dialogue between students and university leadership, fostering engagement and collaborative problem-solving.

Charting the Way Forward

The training concluded with a strategic way forward session led by Prof. Ayub Gitau, focusing on enhancing the impact and effectiveness of student leadership structures. In her closing remarks, Vice Chancellor Prof. Margaret J. Hutchinson commended the outgoing leaders for their service and encouraged those who will carry on with student leadership to uphold integrity, innovation, and accountability.

Conclusion

The UNSA End-Term Review and Leadership Transition Training marked a significant milestone in strengthening student leadership at the University of Nairobi. By combining reflection, recognition, and capacity building, the forum reaffirmed the university’s commitment to nurturing transformative leaders equipped to thrive both within and beyond the academic environment.