The university organized a week-long training session in Mombasa for the recently elected members of the Jomo Kenyatta University Students Association (JKUSA), to provide the new leaders with essential leadership skills.
Running from May 26-29, 2025, the training covered various leadership aspects crucial to their roles as student representatives. Topics included financial literacy, stress management, communication skills, conflict and negotiation, leadership ethics, and the art of constructive mobilization and advocacy, among many others.
Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Ngumi, urged the student leaders to prioritize self-awareness and self-care because leadership requires a lot from them, both mentally and emotionally. This, she noted, necessitates that they take time to reflect, recognize their talents, admit their flaws, and maintain their principles.
Speaking during the official closing of the week-long leadership program in Mombasa on Thursday, May 29th, 2025, Prof. Ngumi stated that leadership is not a title, it is a responsibility that is not only about service and sacrifice but also standing firm in their values, even when it is inconvenient.
‘You are now more than student leaders; you are ambassadors of change. As you return to your respective schools, carry with you the torch of accountability, dialogue, and inclusion,’ asserted Prof. Ngumi.
“Accept the benefits of cooperation and teamwork. True leadership is defined not by individual accomplishments, but by the capacity to unify people, use their combined strengths, and pursue common goals. Promote an environment of inclusivity, empathy, and mutual respect in all your endeavors, valuing the diverse perspectives and contributions of each team member,” Prof. Ngumi added.
In his remarks to the student leaders, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, Prof. Robert Kinyua encouraged them to understand the distinct opportunity they had as catalysts for change. He urged them to exert effort and make substantial contributions towards providing focused solutions.
While thanking the management for the training opportunity on behalf of the other leaders, Peace Love Issa, the Chairman of JKUSA, emphasized the significance of the training, expressing that it had provided them with valuable insights.
He indicated their intention to apply the skills gained in their future endeavors. Additionally, he encouraged fellow leaders to demonstrate enthusiasm and readiness in addressing the needs and challenges faced by their peers.
While expressing her heartfelt gratitude to the management for their unwavering commitment to the holistic development of the students, Dean of Students, Prof. Fridah Wanzala, thanked the university management for the leadership training, stating that it would provide them with useful tips and skills to enable them to administer their roles effectively and articulately.
The training was punctuated by team-building activities conducted by the Sports Director, Dr. Waweru Kamaku aimed at transforming the JKUSA leaders into a cohesive team with a clear goal and direction.
