Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko on Friday evening held a meeting with female student leaders drawn from various universities across the country in a session focused on leadership, mentorship and student welfare.
The delegation brought together vice presidents, presidents and student leaders from institutions including the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Technical University of Kenya, Rongo University, Mount Kenya University (Nairobi and Thika campuses), Gretsa University, Machakos University and others.
Among those present were Rachel Makari (Vice President KU), Joy Makena (Vice President TUK), Jackline Waithera (Vice President FOA UON), Wangari Ann (Vice President JKUAT), Doris Cherotich (Vice President OUK), Faith Beatrice (President), Lindah Hamidah (Vice President Karatina), Prudence Bushnell (Vice President Rongo), Immaculate Wambui (Vice President Gretsa), Grace Wekesa (Deputy Speaker JKUAT), Njeri Mburu (Vice Chairperson FEBEN UON), Midwinter Nyambura (President ILU), Grace Mkuhwana (Vice President MKU Nairobi), Mitchel Achieng (Vice President MKU Thika), Musila Christine (Vice President KUCCA), Ashley Chepkoech (President Machakos University), Mulinge Alice (President Africa), Priscah Mutheu (Academic Secretary Machakos University), Ivonny Machogu (Finance Secretary MUST) and Simiyu Barbara (Vice President MUST).
The student leaders and Sonko agreed that leadership should go beyond politics and focus on guidance, mentorship and empowerment.
“Our young girls and students must first be guided, mentored, protected and empowered to finish school, earn their degrees and build their futures before being dragged into dirty politics,” Sonko said.
The leaders also raised concerns over issues affecting students in higher learning institutions, including mental health challenges, gender-based violence (GBV), welfare concerns, and the rising cases of violence and killings targeting university students, particularly young women.
Sonko encouraged the students to embrace responsible living, discipline and personal responsibility, stressing the importance of protecting their future while still in school.
He further pledged that his political movement, NDP, would continue working closely with student leadership through structured mentorship programmes, retreats, forums and engagements with professionals and experts aimed at strengthening leadership among young people.
By Kithinji Njeru
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