From Campus Voices to Political Choices The Journey of University Elections

By Evalyne Njoroge

Students conducting campaigns. AI generated photo

As Chuka University prepares to usher in a new generation of student leaders, the campus once again comes alive with campaign chants, posters, debates, and strategic alliances. For many students, university elections may seem like a routine annual affair. Yet behind the colourful rallies and manifesto promises lies a long history that traces the origin of political elections and campaigning within institutions of higher learning.

University politics originated from the need for student representation. In the earliest universities across Europe in the 12th and 13th centuries, students organized themselves to elect leaders who would represent their interests before university authorities. These early elections were simple but powerful, giving students a voice in matters affecting their academic and social lives. As universities expanded across the world, the importance of student leadership grew, leading to the formation of student unions that addressed welfare, accommodation, fees, and academic freedom.

Students conducting campaigns. Photo by Sallo

In Africa, university politics gained momentum during the colonial era. Universities became centers of intellectual debate, nationalism, and resistance. Students discussed not only academic matters but also freedom, governance, and justice. In Kenya, university politics flourished after independence, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s, when student leaders emerged as vocal critics of government policies. Universities became breeding grounds for future national leaders, and student elections often mirrored the intensity and dynamics of national politics.

Students carrying out campaigns. Photo by Blaise Gitonga

Campaigning in universities has evolved significantly over time. In the early days, campaigns were modest, relying on face-to-face persuasion, handwritten posters, and speeches in hostels, cafeterias, and lecture halls. Candidates were judged largely on their ideas, courage, and commitment to student welfare. Today, university elections resemble miniature national campaigns, with candidates forming teams, crafting slogans, printing branded posters, and engaging students through social media platforms. Public debates, campus tours, and manifesto launches have become common features of student politics.

Photo by Sallo

At Chuka University, student leadership elections have grown into a significant democratic exercise. Aspirants move across the campus engaging fellow students, presenting their visions, and promising improved welfare and representation. Campaigns are regulated to maintain peace and order, but the competitive spirit remains high. Alliances are formed, influence is negotiated, and leadership qualities are tested, reflecting the broader political environment.

University elections are more than contests for positions of power. They serve as training grounds for leadership, democracy, and responsibility. Many former student leaders go on to become influential figures in society, carrying with them lessons learned from campus politics. As Chuka University prepares to vote, students are reminded that their choices matter. The ballot is not just a piece of paper, but a voice and a continuation of a long tradition of democratic participation within universities.