I have read Mohammed Doyo's analysis of the double intake programme, commonly referred to as an 'accelerated program' and I am deeply disappointed that the senior writer (always honest to the core) could not point out the real reasons why students failed to join the MUSO Chairman and myself when we rejected the programme at its initiation.
First, this programme was popular with most of the 3rd Eye writers, particularly those whose SGC candidates had been floored during the elections. I remember writer Obilo Kobilo, a close friend and classmate, writing a not-so-inspiring article calling me a 'Mr Know-it-all' who was interfering in other directors' dockets.
Second, apart from the chairman and myself, other directors, especially the Academics Director, had begun boot-licking the administration. He had just been invited to attend the first senate meeting and felt the aura of self-worth which comes with new office. It was not his mistake.
Third, exams were around the corner and many students felt doing exams was more important than addressing the academic calender. In fact, the current finalists were totally opposed to the idea. I remember some of them referring to me as a 'junior student' who knew nothing about kamukunji and strikes.
Fourth, Main campus comrades are always ambivalent to civic duty as important as peaceful picketing. So in such circumstances, members of the SGC who wish to engage the administration in mass protest usually find it hard to marshal sufficient numbers. We failed to stop this programme because most students failed to see its disadvantages.
I remember around that time most students had been duped that HELB would release loans. I, together with other students, had to later petition the university to allow a few comrades to proceed to Nairobi in what my great friend Ben Mboya called 'a picnic trip by petty petitioners'. . .such were the times then.
Today, this programme is not working. It could not work. The administration implemented it so poorly that its comparison is in no other university.
Now, as the new MUSO office sets to take charge. A few lessons are worth noting here.
One, the press in Main Campus, so long as it fails to appreciate the interplay between students needs and administrative duplicity, will always mislead students. I accused the press then, I still accuse it today.
Two, the next Academics Director may just be the most important MUSO official. If comrades elect a 'yes man' who enjoys sitting in Senate without thinking, strategizing and rebelling, we may not streamline the calendar. On matters academic, whether the lecture halls are overflowing or not, the university will always admit. The incoming academics director must be a man who can dangle TENSION per square-inch and rant where necessary. Comrades Power is still alive in our time.
Having been the Secretary General I can tell you from my pedestal that MUSO's progress is not in the person of the Chairman or the Secretary General, the progress in MUSO can only come when finances and accommodation and academic dockets are streamlined.
Finally, the era when students leaders got themselves expelled or suspended is over. No fight is worth going home for. If the system cannot institutionally change, nature will change it. The good news is, nature is doing its part.
Moi University MAIN CAMPUS is changing. Are you seeing what I am seeing?
RIAAAAAH!
The Writer is the outgoing MUSO Secretary General
First, this programme was popular with most of the 3rd Eye writers, particularly those whose SGC candidates had been floored during the elections. I remember writer Obilo Kobilo, a close friend and classmate, writing a not-so-inspiring article calling me a 'Mr Know-it-all' who was interfering in other directors' dockets.
Second, apart from the chairman and myself, other directors, especially the Academics Director, had begun boot-licking the administration. He had just been invited to attend the first senate meeting and felt the aura of self-worth which comes with new office. It was not his mistake.
Third, exams were around the corner and many students felt doing exams was more important than addressing the academic calender. In fact, the current finalists were totally opposed to the idea. I remember some of them referring to me as a 'junior student' who knew nothing about kamukunji and strikes.
Fourth, Main campus comrades are always ambivalent to civic duty as important as peaceful picketing. So in such circumstances, members of the SGC who wish to engage the administration in mass protest usually find it hard to marshal sufficient numbers. We failed to stop this programme because most students failed to see its disadvantages.
I remember around that time most students had been duped that HELB would release loans. I, together with other students, had to later petition the university to allow a few comrades to proceed to Nairobi in what my great friend Ben Mboya called 'a picnic trip by petty petitioners'. . .such were the times then.
Today, this programme is not working. It could not work. The administration implemented it so poorly that its comparison is in no other university.
Now, as the new MUSO office sets to take charge. A few lessons are worth noting here.
One, the press in Main Campus, so long as it fails to appreciate the interplay between students needs and administrative duplicity, will always mislead students. I accused the press then, I still accuse it today.
Two, the next Academics Director may just be the most important MUSO official. If comrades elect a 'yes man' who enjoys sitting in Senate without thinking, strategizing and rebelling, we may not streamline the calendar. On matters academic, whether the lecture halls are overflowing or not, the university will always admit. The incoming academics director must be a man who can dangle TENSION per square-inch and rant where necessary. Comrades Power is still alive in our time.
Having been the Secretary General I can tell you from my pedestal that MUSO's progress is not in the person of the Chairman or the Secretary General, the progress in MUSO can only come when finances and accommodation and academic dockets are streamlined.
Finally, the era when students leaders got themselves expelled or suspended is over. No fight is worth going home for. If the system cannot institutionally change, nature will change it. The good news is, nature is doing its part.
Moi University MAIN CAMPUS is changing. Are you seeing what I am seeing?
RIAAAAAH!
The Writer is the outgoing MUSO Secretary General
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