University students from the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) now want the 2016 Act touching on elections amended to create equality in varsity polls.
The students from 14 counties argue the bill favours aspirants from affluent backgrounds and those close to politicians.
Led by Gideon Amasila, they lamented that lack of money has locked many of them out, despite having all leadership qualities.
“For one to get an elective position, it all depends on the depth of the pocket rather than one’s capability to lead. Most administrations have taken advantage of the process to disqualify students who they feel don’t cooperate with them,” they said.
Speaking in Kericho town, they stated the trend is a threat to democracy not only at the universities but even to the society at large.
They pointed out that all students should be granted equal leadership opportunities irrespective of their backgrounds or regions, a move he says will help prepare them for future leadership.
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“The reasons why we are in full support of this move is because many students are engaged in other activities to earn a living instead of them studying. This leads to poor performance and high dropout rates hence should be avoided. We also want to make it clear that leadership cannot be bought; it’s from the heart,” they said.
The students urged Members of Parliament to urgently initiate the change, further threatening to boycott elections in their respective universities starting next year.
The meeting brought together student leaders from TVETs and the Kenya Universities Students Organization.
By Kimutai Lang’at
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