The ‘election fad’ in schools is now catching on with several institutions countrywide conducting elections for the schools’ student fraternity leadership.
Pupils are now choosing their leaders in elections similar to the general election as the country tries to entrench democracy.
Hillside School in Eldoret is the latest to join the bandwagon where the leadership says that the elections are meant to inculcate good electoral practices as well as students learning about good leadership.
Emel Sitienei, the school principal said that the move will help the students develop discipline and good relationship with their teachers.
He asked the parents not to stop their children from vying for various positions in the school student leadership saying that a survey has shown that many student leaders also perform well in their studies.
“We gave them one week to do their campaigns and it was amazing how they displayed discipline. They knew the time for class and the time for campaigning,” says Sitienei.
The outgoing student leaders said that they have been able to balance their studies and their leadership duties by listening to both teachers and students.
“Being a good leader is about being able to listen to everyone’s voice, small or big,” the outgoing head prefect said.
The move to elect leaders in institutions of basic learning has received support and criticism in equal measures but time will tell.