UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY VICE-CHANCELLOR (STUDENT AFFAIRS)
ALIGININGUNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI STUDENTS GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE TO
THE UNIVERSITIES (AMENDMENT) ACT, 2016
STUDENTS’ AND STAFF BRIEFING NOTE
In line with the Kenya Constitution and the Universities (Amendment) Act, 2016 and the University Senate meeting of 21st November, 2017, the University of Nairobi (UON) resolved to adapt a new Constitution for StudentOrganization of Nairobi University (SONU) thereafter referred to as the `University of Nairobi Students Association (UNSA)’. This change of name is informed by Section 41 of the Universities (Amendment) Act, 2016.
The UNSA Constitutionwhich was developed by a representative committee composed of students and staff of UON, embeds the supreme authority of the University Council, and Senate; the Universities Act No. 42 of 2012 (as amended in 2016), Laws of Kenya, the University of Nairobi Charter, 2013, University of Nairobi Statutes, and Regulations Governing the Conduct and Discipline of Students.Embracing change requires knowledge and understanding which informs this briefing note. The Briefing Note is one of the instruments the UON Senateis using to create awareness among students and staff regarding UNSA Constitution, related provisions and implementation of the Constitution.
The UNSA Constitution has 27 articles and related schedules which comprehensively provide for effective governance of UNSA operations. Of particular mention are the Campus/College Student Associations (CSA) which provide each and every student of the UON opportunity to engage in UON activities aimed at achieving our mission of ` World-Class University committed to Scholarly Excellence’ and related mission of `providing quality university education and training and to embody the aspirations of the Kenyan people and global community through creation, preservation, integration, transmission and utilization of knowledge’.
The UNSA Constitution provides for five key governance organs, namely: (1) Students Council, (2) Congress, (3) The Electoral Colleges, (4) Members in General Meetings, and (5) Special General Meetings. Campus Students Associations (CSAs) form twelve (12) electoral colleges with each providing three representatives (electors) to congregate into an electoral college to elect Student Council. The three representatives thereafter revert back to their Campus Students Associations, and are not entitled to contest for Student Council.
The UON management urges both students and staff to keenly read the UNSAConstitution (click this link to access the constitution and familiarize with the key provisions. To complement the reading, the UON Senatein collaboration with students and staff will conduct civic education on UNSA Constitution in all campuses of the UON. All students and staff are requested to effectively participate in this exercise for ownership and effective implementation of UNSAConstitution.
November 30, 2017.