KU student Centre Annex

BY   DAN KIMATHI.

THE STUDENTS ANNEX CENTRE..

What normally comes into your mind when the slang “studies” is uttered, especially on a Friday? Someone may tell you it’s a place where you “unlock” your mind, just for matter of euphemism. Apparently, this refers to the students Annex centre initially known as the students Bar and Restaurant.

The second semester of year 2011/2012 has witnessed the opening of the students annex centre, which to many it has been a relief. Why? This is because being within the universities premises, it tends to be more secure and quite impressive rather than the famous, KM, characterized with when insecurity especially late at nights.

The Annex, which is adjacent to the Arts complex and the Nyayo zone is the most impressive KU has ever had, according to most students for the few days in has been operational, it has proven to be of high standards and an awesome hang out joint but unfortunately, not suitable for a rendezvous to many. Reasons being, it’s very open.One may wonder it isn’t ironic that among the varsity vices we’re got drunkenness? More so, isn’t unethical to have a bar (I think Annex Centre sounds milder ) within the campus? This was perplexed a number many being left wondering what the main purpose of a joining university. But as a defense mechanism may be, their counterparts most likely found at the annex on Friday evenings -you can’t miss an empty spirit bottle in their room -they’ll ask, “ulisomaukuje KU amaulikuja K.U Kusoma? Or if not that then, “Uko campo naunasomakamaunatakakwenda Alliance amaStarehe” But the annex is not initially meant to encourage the vice, but its three for one, depending on the faith to relax, lets say for a drink or dance with the latter most common. This is after a busy schedule in the week, which is a bit tiring.

Since the opening of the Students Centre Annex in January 2012, a number of students have parted with hundreds, if not thousands of shillings to it, most probably on weekends. The weekdays tend to be so occupied that most can’t get enough time for the same if not being “broke” as they call it. Apparently, the financial start of many, students inclusive isn’t pleasing. On may advocate for the increment of the famous thief’s forty days to may be sixty, were in a legitimate act. Anyway, despite the predicament, the Annex is full to capacity on a Friday. I once heard a student inquire “will the Mututho laws be adhered to in the new Annex?” Many thought no. This was before it became operational. Being inside an institution, it tends to be hard for the local administration and law enforcers to ensure the implementation of the Mututho laws in the Annex, unlike outside where it has been inculcated to the people.

The strategic position of the Annex between the upper zone hostels, Nyayo inclusive and the lecture halls at the lower zone has had some impact to academic, to some students. It’s likely to get in opened at 5 pm in the evening. Bearing in mind that these are some classes that run to 7 o’clock. One may decide to “have one for the road “on his/her way to Ole Moi yoi (OML) lecture hall from Nyayo, hostel for instance. The “one for the road may turn into two, three…..’ and may be “one for the trench“ to some. Though rare, once you witness eccentricity among some of your classmates in the evening, remember, we’re got a student Annex. To other is tend to be imperceptible and something usually, and they remain articulate all through.

Boozing aside, leisure can be taken into a different perspective, sports, the students annex think came at the best time, having the Africa cup of Nations in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea in progress (hitherto ended). In addition, we’re got the E.P.L, LaLiga, Bundesliga, Series A and our own KPL with the presence of DSTV facilities in the Annex land to spice it up on flat screens, the Annex has become the students place of choice to watch games rather than do it in the overcrowded Nyayo, Kilimambogo and Mfumbiro TV rooms to name a few –where if you haven’t “booked” a set six hours before the game by placing a brick on it you miss the game for your information, you don’t require much in annex, just a piece of news paper to sit on the pavement and enjoy the game, all because there are a few sets preserved for the “customers.”

Entertainment is not only alcohol and sports, this has been prove by the existence of a large number of students who love music, prompting the introduction of high standard music facilities in the students. Annex, it is very common to find one going to the annex, for one reason rather than watching match or boozing, but to dance. Recently, “Riddims” a form of reggae music has taken many by the storm. Name the likes of Cecil, Alaine, Busy signal Konshens and others and someone tells you “Heart and soul Riddim” G- shock riddim and others. At times you’ll find the dance floor in the Annex in full capacity with the occupation singing to the lyrics of “Missing my Baibe by Busy signal” it not the controversial, “Ashawo” and all you think is a Carnivore in KU? No. Not really, it’s the students Annex. Centre. To many Saturdays, pass by with few in their senses. If not being intoxicated the previous night, then because you danced so much. It’s very common to see your roommate wake up at noon, red eyes, and all he has to say is “whaah? What a night!”

All this is courtesy of the students Annex centre. Many thought wouldn’t it be better if John Mututho came to officially open it, just like the way a certain buildings in the institution was officially opened by a prominent person, say the minister for Higher, Education? Sounds ironic?? That’s the students Annex Centre. Tribute to Whitney Houston.