On 14^th August, 2018, the 10^th Strathmore University Student Council, led by Kevin Mwendwa, was inaugurated in an event that was attended by students and staff from the Strathmore community. We caught up with the President to give us a few insights on himself and what he and his team hope to achieve during their tenure.

Tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Kevin Mwendwa and I am a son, a brother, an MC, a foodie and a global change-maker. I studied in Lenana High School where I held various leadership positions: deputy clubs’ captain and a co-curricular council executive.

After high school I joined Strathmore University and studied ACCAs. I was very ambitious back then and, while studying, I registered a business called ADBAG enterprise dealing with brand package advertising. Business was good for a few months but I quickly began struggling to balance personal life, school work, and a business. I also had not done my market research well. My business was targeting clients seeking to replace plastic bags but I invested in cotton bags and could not compete with my counterparts selling polyester bags. I made major losses and almost went into debt. I did not give up though; I am now in the process of venturing into agribusiness. I am thinking of ways to grow farm produce in Ukambani using innovative ways that conserve water.

What experiences at Strathmore informed your decision to run for the Student Council Presidency?

As a Stratizen, I have had the opportunity to serve as a class representative, chairman of the culture committee and a club official. This has given me an opportunity to interact with students and understand their issues and concerns. That coupled with my life purpose “to be a blessing unto others”, I decided to seek an opportunity to serve Stratizens better. I must say, however, the experience so far has been humbling.

You mention your life purpose. How did you know your purpose?

I discovered it when I was in form two. Every Sunday, we had a guest speaker preaching. One particular Sunday, the speaker preached about God having a perfect purpose for each one of us basing it on the book of Romans chapter 8. After the service, I asked God what my purpose was and I did not get an answer immediately, or rather I was not patient enough. Anyway, long story short, I curved one out for myself, which is to be a blessing unto others.

Are there any previous initiatives from the previous council that you would like to continue?

Yes. The previous council introduced flea markets and student tenders which were a game-changer in promoting student enterprise. Flea markets have allowed students to put classroom lessons into practice while student tenders are an opportunity for students with already established businesses and start-ups to apply to supply goods to the cafeteria. The student tenders are yet to completely come to fruition but the previous council did all the relationship building and ground work. We are planning to have trainings for our students in October/November so that they are ready for the cafeteria tender window in February 2019.

What do you think you can improve from the previous council?

The previous council put a lot of focus on entrepreneurship and business which is great, hence the flea markets and student tenders, but less effort on creatives. During our tenure we hope to create an equal platform to empower both.

What are the council’s top priorities?

We recently came from a retreat in Naivasha and together we agreed on our philosophy which is, Unity, Service and Growth. All our intiatives and ideas will help foster growth, be an act of service and inspire more student altruism, and ultimately lead to a more united Strathmore. We already have a plan for the year and we are looking forward to see it come to life.

Parting Shot

I come from a family of strong believers and I would like to leave you with this Bible verse from Luke 1:37: For with God nothing will be impossible.

The 2018 Student Council Team

Kevin Mwendwa – President

Katherine Mumo – Vice President

Richard Maskika – Secretary General

Joshua Makara – Finance Representative

Arnold Nciko – Male Academic Representative

Blessings Mutheu – Female Academic Representative

Lauren Obwora – Public Relations

Trevor Radido – Males Sports Representative

Rachel Otieno –Female Sports Representative

 

This article was written by Anne Njoroge

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