JOOUST conducts successful SAJOOUST elections
The execution of democratic electoral processes and procedures is quickly becoming the norm all over the world. Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology has once again exemplified its commitment to democratic governance and student leadership by successfully conducting the SAJOOUST 2023/2024 student elections for both the Electoral College Representatives (ECRs) and Student Governing Council (SGC).
The SAJOOUST elections, a pivotal event in the university's academic calendar, was closely monitored by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Planning, Administration, and Finance (PAF), Prof. Aggrey Thuo who commended the SAJOOUST Electoral Board for the dedication and meticulous execution of their duties, which ensured a seamless and efficient election process.
Dr. Walter Akuno, the Registrar for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs and Research, equally played a key role in overseeing the election process. Under his guidance, the election calendar was meticulously planned and adhered to, ensuring a transparent and democratic student election process.
The first phase of the election process, which saw the election of the Electoral College Representatives (ECRs), took place on the 18th of October 2023. A total of forty seven ECRs were elected to represent their respective academic departments also dubbed constituencies. Subsequently, the ECRs conducted the election of their speaker and secretary in readiness for the SGC aspirants’ debate, scheduled to take place the following day at 11 am.
The anticipation was palpable at the peak of the elections on the 19th of October, 2023. The entire student community eagerly awaited the outcome of the SGC elections with bated breath.
The election process took a hybrid approach allowing aspirants to engage with the ECRs physically, presenting their manifestos to an already elated team, moments before the voting commenced. The physical voting process was conducted with utmost transparency and credibility, with aspirants' agents given the opportunity to witness the election proceedings. Aspirants, although anxious, patiently waited outside the East African Community Integrated Institute (EACII) which served as the tallying center.
The moment of reckoning finally arrived as Dr. Mary Onditi, the Returning Officer, announced the winners of the SGC elections. The newly elected student leaders include: Mr. Allan Luo Humwa – Chairman; Ms. Diana Nekesa, Deputy chair; Mr. Kiprop Edward, Secretary General; , Mr. Khisa Wanjala Paul, the Treasurer; Ms. Apella Joy Achieng, the Director Curricular; Mr. Ongaro Richard Otieno, the Director Co-curricular; and Ms. Vera Wanga Akinyi, the Director Welfare.
The victors will be officially sworn into office during a ceremony presided over by the Vice-Chancellor on the 26th of October, 2023 following a formal handover ceremony by the outgoing student leaders. The new office is expected to serve a one-academic-year term and will undergo leadership training to prepare them for the responsibilities that lie ahead.
JOOUST continues to demonstrate its commitment to nurturing responsible and capable student leaders who play a vital role in shaping the University's future. The successful completion of the SAJOOUST 2023/2024 student elections is a testament to the university's dedication to having credible, verifiable and transparent elections towards achieving excellence in student governance.
