Peace Love Isaa, a fourth-year student at the College of Engineering and Technology (COETEC) in the School of Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering (SEEIE), has been elected as the new chairperson of the Jomo Kenyatta University Students Association (JKUSA). He will be deputized by Christine Nyokabi Maina a third-year student of Data Science in the School of Information Technology domiciled in JKUAT Karen Campus after they emerged winners in the highly competitive student election.
With a total of 90 votes, Isaa edged out his challenger, Maryann Njeri who had 59 votes. The results, which were formally declared on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 by Prof. Fridah Wanzala, the Chief Returning Officer of the JKUSA Electoral Commission and Dean of Students, elicited applause and happiness from students.
Osiolo Victor Omuyanzwa clinched the Academic Affairs Secretary post with 81 votes, trouncing his opponent, Wambua Gloria Munyiva, who got 65 votes. Imali Brenda Ivoynne won one of the most closely contested posts, Health, Catering, and Accommodation Secretary, garnering 48 votes against her very close competitor, Murithi Kageni Natasha’s 45.
The new Finance Secretary will be Chebet Brilliant who floored her opponent, Muriuki Brian Murithi, garnering 97 votes against 33 votes. The Secretary General position saw Abira Lenox Okanda elected amidst other 4 contestants.
On the other hand, the various JKUAT campuses also elected their top student leadership. The Karen Campus will now be headed by Njeri Melody Wairimu who will be deputized by Jesse Mwaniki Chege, Mombasa CBD Campus will be headed by Salim Juma Sauti deputized by Laila Ajema Ibrahim, Nakuru CBD Campus will be headed by Mateu Kolian deputized by Sylvia Cherop Keter and Nairobi CBD campus will be headed by Chisutia Asembo Stanley deputized by Apondi Jackqueline Trevor.
The Council Elections were the culmination of an elaborate electoral process that began with nominations, candidate verification, congress and delegate elections.
After announcing the results, Prof. Wanzala praised all individuals who participated in the election process, stating that all parties played a critical part in ensuring that the entire process was successful.
“Thank you again to everyone who helped make our student elections successful. Your devotion and enthusiasm are a
monument to the strength of our university community, and I look forward to seeing the good impact of our collaborative efforts in the days and years ahead,” Prof. Wanzala said.
The new officials will be sworn into office, May 2, 2025 in an inauguration ceremony that will be conducted by the University Chief Legal Officer. Thereafter, the congress, which is composed of the executive, student council of the main campus and council of satellite campuses, Schools, Halls and non-residential representatives, will hold its first sitting on the same day and elect the speaker of the house.
Student elections at JKUAT are integral to fostering a vibrant campus community and empowering students to actively participate in the governance of their institution. By upholding principles of transparency, fairness, and inclusivity, we can ensure that student elections serve as a cornerstone of democratic governance and student representation. Through collaborative efforts and a commitment to excellence, we can strengthen the integrity and credibility of our electoral processes, thereby advancing the interests and aspirations of the student body.
