The Faculty of Engineering is beaming with pride as Derrick Troy Rusana Odhiambo, a 4th-year student of BSc Electrical and Electronics Engineering, emerges as the newly elected President of the University of Nairobi Students Association (UNSA) for the 2025/2026 academic year.

Odhiambo’s victory is more than a personal achievement—it marks a remarkable second consecutive term in which the UNSA presidency is held by a student from the Faculty of Engineering, succeeding last year’s President, Madzao Rocha. His election solidifies the faculty’s growing reputation as a cradle of transformative leadership and civic-minded innovation.

At the helm of Team Fresh Perspectives, President Odhiambo is joined by a vibrant leadership team: Purity Mwendwa Mutua (Vice-Chair), Elisha Wasike (Secretary-General), Julia Wasi (Treasurer), Erick Muturi (Sports & Welfare), Collins Cheruiyot (PWD Representative), and Sarah Tabahola (International Representative). Together, they bring a diverse, inclusive, and forward-thinking approach to student governance.

The new leaders were officially sworn in during a dignified ceremony held at the historic Taifa Hall on Friday, April 25, 2025, witnessed by the University Management and the student community. Addressing the gathering, Vice Chancellor Prof. Jesang Hutchinson congratulated all the elected student leaders and called for a new era of responsible, collaborative leadership.

“To our newly elected leaders: the time for campaigns is over. The time for action is now,” said Prof. Hutchinson. “The University Management stands ready to work with you, as partners, not opponents… Together, we can make tangible progress on issues such as access to learning resources, campus infrastructure, student welfare, and inclusive development. I urge you to take seriously the growing concerns around student mental health.”

The Vice Chancellor also commended the Independent Electoral Commission, led by Dr. Ombongi, for their exemplary conduct during the elections. Despite a dip in overall voter turnout from 45% to 30%, some colleges showed commendable engagement—Kenya Science Campus at 73.7% and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at 60.8%.

“We saw progress in representation—nine students with disabilities elected, ten international students taking leadership, and for the first time, a female student elected Chairperson in Kisumu Campus,” Dr. Ombongi highlighted. “These outcomes reflect our collective efforts to make equity and inclusion a reality.”

In his victory speech, President Odhiambo expressed a deep sense of duty and optimism.

“This is not just a win for me or my team—it’s a mandate from the student body to lead with purpose, innovation, and integrity. We will amplify student voices, tackle real issues, and champion a student-first agenda,” he affirmed.