12 MUSO OFFICIALS UNHEALTHY FOR 10,000 STUDENTS

By Nyamweya Bw’Omari

Since the initiation of this university in 1984 we have had 25 Student Governing Councils (SGCs). It is more than obvious that the student population has since then increased tremendously. This notwithstanding, the subsequent SGCs have never bothered to trigger the contents of the Moi University Students Organisation (MUSO) constitution to rhyme with the rise of student population and change in different manifestos of their regimes.

Instead of dwelling on reforms, some always selfish directors immediately forget what they promised the electorate, comrades, and start ‘eating’ saying “it is our time to eat.” This has led to the university administration taking advantage of their selfishness and using the divide and rule tactic to render humiliation and intimidation to the student fraternity.

The tendering process is among the many critical decisions we as comrades have left the 12 officials to make for us. More often than not they have always literally abused the privilege and gone ahead to trample on our intelligence. They have always been left to make crucial decisions on behalf of us but they have fervently failed to do so.

That aside. As it has now emerged, it is difficult and in fact a tragedy to trust the 12 to make a sober and fair decision on behalf of 10,000 and worse still to lead the 10,000 students to Canaan however much democratic the election process might have been.

Need for Committees

To address anomalies such as this, we need the introduction of some structural reforms to the institution of MUSO so as to minimize such irresponsible conducts from our esteemed directors. This means that the custodian of the Muso Constitution should task himself with incorporating committees to the MUSO organ for better and efficient running of its activities.

For example, if we had a Finance Committee in place the scandalous tendering process could be a less tasking job. A committee with a membership of about 9 students drawn from Hall Representatives and Chairpersons of various organizations in campus will ensure proper management of our finances at large. This committee will be charged with the tendering process, income generating activities, MUSO bursary allocation and even budget making and presenting a detailed report to the Students’ Congress (Parliament) in every 1 or 2 weeks as the constitution will dictate.

Apart from this committee, we can also have other committees such as: Security and Accommodation Committee, Communication and Media Committee, Entertainment and Culture Committee, Academics Committee and any other committee as the office of the Chairperson may deem fit to be formed as per its need. These committees will be headed by the elected directors.

For now Mr. Okeri Orina and Mr. Mwamburi Mwang’ombe should start spearheading the reforms as soon as now so that we can have them passed immediately. The message is “Hasten the reforms.”

It high time that we have a representational Students’ Congress (Parliament) being incorporated in our constitution for a better bargain especially in the provision of services to students. We should have a more representative form of student government as soon as possible.

If The 25^th SGC cannot be able to meet the expected results by the end of this semester, we should peacefully send them home by collecting signatures against their government and until such reforms are incorporated we should not go for any other polls.

Do have an anti-reform-free-midweek, I know you will.