UoN elects first woman to head students association

Anne Mwangi, the newly elected SONU boss. [Courtesy]

The University of Nairobi has written history by electing the first woman to head the students association.

Anne Mwangi will lead the University of Nairobi Students Association, previously SONU (Students Organisation of Nairobi University), for a year-long term.

She may seek a second and final term afterwards.

The third-year law student bagged 24 votes to beat Samuel Ayoma who garnered eight in the results released today.

Mwangi will take over from Anthony Manyara.

The ballot was cast on Friday in a poll presided over by Prof Mohamed Jamaa.

Vice Chancellor Peter Mbithi took to Twitter to congratulate UoN and Mwangi on the "transformation".

I am happy to be part of this transformation that is taking place at the University of Nairobi @uonbi . Congratulations Anne Mwangi, UNSA Boss. pic.twitter.com/7sPIgLAR0h — ViceChancellor,UoNBI (@vcuonbi) April 7, 2019

 

The Universities Amendment Bill signed into law in 2016 states that the association is to be governed by a student council comprising a chairperson and a vice chairperson who must be of the opposite gender.

The students association constitutes itself into electoral colleges based on academic departments, schools or faculties.

Some former student leaders who are now strong politicians include Babu Owino, Gladys Wanga, Kipchumba Murkomen and James Orengo.

Orengo, a former Law student at UoN, was elected the Student Organisation of Nairobi University (SONU) chair in 1972 and served for one term.

Murkomen, also Elgeyo Marakwet Senator, was elected the chair of the Kenya Law School Students Society during his time as a law student.

Homa Bay woman Representative Wanga was the first woman elected Kenyatta University Students Association (KUSA) Secretary General.

Babu Owino, the longest serving SONU chair, is now the Embakasi East legislator.