University students' universal suffrage is set to return after Members of Parliament on Wednesday, February 15, resolved to repeal the law that established college systems.
The National Assembly Committee on Implementation tabled findings and recommendations following a petition to change the law on Student Governing Council.
“That the universities Act 2012 be amended to provide for election to the student's council through election by the students association comprising of all students as opposed to electorate colleges,” the report reads.
After a careful review of the petition by Among Ndung'u Kamotho on August 5, 2021, seeking the repealing of Section 41 (1C), (1D) and (1E) of the University Act, 2012.
Kamotho petitioned the National Assembly to repeal the law that currently provides for a College System to universal suffrage.
“That for one to get an elective position, it largely depends on one's economic status rather than one capability to lead,” the petition reads.
The Members of Parliament (MPs) concurred with Kamotho and recommended the repeal of the University Act, 2012.
In 2017, former Garissa Township MP Aden Duale fronted the amendment to the University Act, of 2012, and established a college system in students' elections.
Duale's amendment established that students’ associations would be constituted into electoral colleges based on their academic departments, schools, or faculties.
However, Duale's amendment was rejected by the National Assembly Committee on Implementation, which recommended the re-introduction of universal suffrage.
“Enact regulations on good academic standing to govern the conduct of elections including regulation of campaigns, election financing, offences and penalties,” the report reads.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino who also served as President of Student Organization of Nairobi University (SONU) petitioned Parliament to do away with the college system.
“That successive university administrations have consistently manipulated the current system for the election of university student leaders thereby imposing leaders of their choice,” Owino pleaded with his colleagues.
