NURTURING THE NEXT GENERATION OF CHANGEMAKERS
The University through the Office of the Dean of Students held a Leadership Development Training Workshop for the newly elected UNSA student leaders on June 9-10, 2025 at the Travellers Beach Hotel in Mombasa.
Present at the workshop were the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Margaret Hutchinson, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, Prof. Ayub Gitau, and Deputy Vice Chancellor, Human Resource and Administration, Prof. John Mande. Also present were the Deans of Faculties, Heads of Departments and Student Leaders.
Highlighting the main objective of the workshop, Prof. Ayub Gitau the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs indicated that the forum provided an opportunity to dialogue with the University Management, expose the student leaders to seasonal external mentors and champion constructive dialogue and engagement.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Margaret Hutchinson urged the students to “Learn from those who have gone before you who are your role models and mentors". She further held that the workshop was student-led and student-designed with a lot of lessons to learn from each other.
The UNSA Vice President, Purity Mutua in her speech, indicated that “Leadership requires the vision of many and should leave a mark that lasts. She further encouraged the student leaders to uphold honesty and integrity.
The workshop also focused on different topics, including Mental Health and Self-care for leaders, Balancing Academic and Leadership, Self-Awareness and Emotional Intelligence, Innovation and Change Leadership and Spiritual Intelligence, Inclusion in Leadership.
The Director of Finance, Mr. Michael Menza offered the student leaders Financial Management, Budgeting and accounting tips to ensure they can handle the money given to them for various activities effectively.
Day Two featured impactful sessions with high-profile former student leaders who have transitioned into national leadership roles and have made an impact in the private sector. Among them was Kiharu Member of Parliament Hon. Ndindi Nyoro, who gave a passionate address about his journey from student leadership to national politics. “Leadership begins with service,” Hon. Nyoro said. “Don’t underestimate what you are doing now. You’re shaping your values, building networks, and preparing for bigger responsibilities ahead.” Other key speakers were Hon Kiogora DMK, MCA and Minority Whip, Meru County and Dr. Larry Sisei, Medical Science Liason, Johnson & Johnson.
The workshop closed down with words of encouragement to the student leaders from the Vice Chancellor. She encouraged the students to ensure they take away lessons from the workshop that would help mould them to become great leaders. Students were encouraged to learn from great leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Barrack Obama, Sr. Teresa andWangari Maathai and make an impact through their leadership.
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