This year’s Congress with the theme –UNIV 2018: Rethinking the Future – brought together eighty students from ten universities nationally; University of Nairobi, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Africa Nazarene University, United States International University Africa, Presbyterian University of East Africa, Daystar University, Egerton University and Strathmore University. The event took place on Saturday 24^th February, 2018.

Strathmore students drawn from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS), Strathmore Institute of Mathematical Sciences (SIMS), Strathmore Institute (SI) and School of Management and Commerce (SMC) prepared and presented academic writings on their chosen themes. The topics of discussion involved; truth and media, effective waste management, comprehensive sex education, and women’s right to education.

Dr. Jane Wathuta and Ms. Lucy Mulli from Strathmore University introduced the inspiration for the Congress touching on the ‘Revolution of the 60s’, particularly on the role that students had in advocating for change in their own communities despite the political and racial barriers to progress. They discussed the evolution of the family and its impact on the morals of the youth, the sexual revolution, political revolution (in the United States of America), and the support of the music industry in attaining the expectations of a more enlightened generation.

Ms. Summayya Athmani – Advocate High Court of Kenya, an oil and gas specialist, and CEO of Azure Energy Limited – delivered the keynote address on The Future of Energy in Kenya. After her very informative lecture, a lively discussion with the participants ensued where Ms. Athmani further spoke on a variety of topics such as the challenges faced by oil and gas companies in tapping alternative sources of energy, and the need to have a positive attitude and not be daunted by failures to achieve success.  Making reference to one of the student presentations, she also encouraged university students to be proactive agents of change and engage in small-scale community projects, primarily in areas where the community’s needs exceed the resources available, and in ways that can harness energy from the most unexpected everyday items. The take-home from her address was for the youth to show initiative in solving everyday problems through principled interactions.

The participants look forward to attending the international phase of the UNIV Student Congress in Rome, Italy from 27th March to 1st April. The aim of UNIV is to provide a forum for university students to study and reflect on challenges besetting their societies and propose forward-thinking solutions that can make an impact in their communities. Participants need not only write academic papers for presentation in Rome. Media such as videos, posters, photos, and social projects that most closely relate to the essence of the congress and this year’s theme are eligible for presentation, as well.

In addition to the presentations, the students going to Rome will attend workshops and be involved in a range of activities including: international get-togethers, social projects, an audience with the Pope, participation in the Holy Week ceremonies in Rome, and cultural and historical tours of the Eternal city.

For more details about the UNIV Congress click here.