UNSA 2025/2025 Student Leaders Inducted

On Monday, May 12, 2025, the University held a comprehensive induction workshop for the newly elected University of Nairobi Students Association (UNSA) leaders for the 2025/2026 academic year. The workshop took place at the KCB Leadership Centre in Karen and brought together student leaders from the Council and congress representatives from all campuses to equip them with essential leadership skills and institutional knowledge.

The main objective of the Induction program was to formally orient the student leaders into their new roles and responsibilities and to offer them a clear understanding of the University’s Governance structure, policies and student welfare frameworks. The workshop also emphasized on accountability, ethical leadership and the critical role of student representation in fostering and inclusive and responsive academic and social environment.

This induction offered a great platform for cultivating collaboration between the University Management and Student Leaders, ensuring that all issues raised by the students are addressed in a constructive and structured manner.

Central Administration Departmental Heads from the Academic Registrar, Finance, ICT, Halls, Catering, University Health Services, Security and Safety, Sports, Corporate Affairs, Legal and Corporate Board Services, Supply Chain and Planning and Performance Management were engaged in panel discussions aimed at informing students the core mandate of each of the offices and the services they offer to students.  The student leaders were given an opportunity to air their views and ask questions during the plenary session.

In her speech, the Ag. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Margret Hutchinson, urged the incoming UNSA team to conduct a baseline survey on the most pressing student matters, then identify and prioritize five key areas to focus on. “A one-year leadership term is short, and spreading efforts too thinly across many issues often results in minimal impact,” she reiterated.

In his speech, the Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor, Human Resources and Administration representing the DVC, Academic Affairs stated that “my office remains open and ready to engage with you on matters related to the curriculum, teaching and learning, academic support, and student mentorship. We recognize that the academic journey can be rigorous. Many students face challenges: mental health struggles, financial difficulties, academic pressures, and limited access to learning resources”.

The student leaders also had an opportunity to meet with their respective Faculty Deans and Assistant Deans of Students to discuss pertinent issues touching on each Faculty that need to be addressed. This session brought out many recommendations that will be compiled and an implementation matrix developed by the Dean of Students' Office.

The induction concluded with a call to the newly elected leaders to serve with integrity, commitment, and a focus on the collective good of the student community. The University reaffirmed its support for UNSA and expressed optimism that the 2025/2026 leadership cohort would be instrumental in shaping a vibrant, student-centered academic and social experience on campus.