The University of Nairobi, renowned for nurturing student leaders who ascend to national and global prominence, has ushered in a new era with the election of Ramesh Saxena as Secretary General of the University of Nairobi Students Association (UNSA).
The elections, held on Thursday, 28th March 2024, saw a keenly contested race among five teams: Team Inclusivity, Team Collins M., Team Haya Dennis, Team Enock Nyamongo, and Team Liyosi Synergy. Employing a delegate system, Team Inclusivity emerged victorious, securing 26 out of 39 delegate votes.
Saxena, a fifth year medical student, now stands at the forefront of student leadership, aiming to continue the legacy of UoN alumni who have transitioned from campus politics to national and international spheres of influence.
In an exclusive interview, Saxena outlined his vision for his tenure, emphasizing the need to revitalize student leadership's role in national discourse and advocacy for student and societal welfare.
"Like everyone else, I dream of seeing student leadership getting back to the national discourse, being a voice to the students and to the oppressed of society," he stated.
Addressing concerns about maintaining independence from administrative influence, Saxena reassured the student body, asserting, "We are not cat paws to be used by unknown faces. Our first priority is the students and their welfare."
Identifying key student concerns, Saxena highlighted hostel conditions, service quality, campus security, and academic stress as urgent areas for intervention.
He pledged to prioritize student welfare and ensure their inclusion in decision-making processes to prevent their issues from being overlooked.
Acknowledging the challenges facing universities, Saxena emphasized the importance of student engagement and representation in institutional decision-making to address student needs effectively.
When asked about his desired legacy, Saxena expressed humility, aspiring to be remembered as a leader who ignited a sense of comradeship and worked tirelessly for the betterment of his fellow students.
As Saxena assumes his new role, expectations are high for his leadership to navigate challenges and champion the interests of the University of Nairobi's diverse student body, echoing the institution's longstanding tradition of producing leaders of influence and impact.
