As much as we might criticise the way the bill on University elections was handled, we must recognize the fact that it has brought sanity to our institutions of higher learning.
Before this bill came into force, it was the norm that student elections were marred by mass protests , setting buildings ablaze and even deaths of students.This often resulted in the closing of most universities indefinitely.
Thanks to the Duale law of 2016(Universities amendment bill), our institutions of higher learning have turned peaceful and calm once again. The serenity and tranquility that befits learning can be recognized by anyone who bothers to care.
Among other changes that were brought up by this bill was an introduction of an electoral college system whereby students elect delegates from various departments who are thereafter tasked with choosing the executive members.
It also reduced the term of holding office by the executives to one. This must be appreciated as it gives more students a chance of ascending into power.
University politics has once again turned to policy-based where aspirants sell their manifesto to the delegates.
The bloody mess that was witnessed at the University of Nairobi during its 2016 elections is now history.
At the time of its introduction, this bill was widely criticised as it was not even debated in parliament. As sponsored by Majority leader in the National Assembly Hon.Aden Bare Duale, it was just drafted and forwarded to the president for assent.
Love him or hate him Duale has saved us a lot!