Q&A with Said munawwar

 Interviewed by Zippy Muli.

He walks in as sleek as ever in a black striped shirt and a maroon tie...nice! The Vice President of the Kenyatta University Students’ Association comes from Kisumu Town West, is a 5th yr student studying Medicine and Surgery and is a Muslim by religion. Down-to-earth, friendly, social and honest are the words that come to mind.
What he believes in. 

Comradeship and that people should interact and socialize. How? There is a lot to talk about; you could talk about the Amphitheatre but just talk to one another.

What’s his role as VP? 

To assist the President. He is also the Minister for internal affairs which means that he’s concerned with issues in accommodation, security, catering etc.

What has KUSA been able to achieve so far? 

Students with laptops can leave them with the housekeepers for security purposes. Floodlights are soon going to be put up in K.M to boost security. They’ve organized patrols around and within school and even participate in some of them. (He tells me that some of these thieves are our comrades). Through the ‘somesha mwenzako campaign,’ 10 students have fully-paid fees for the 4 yrs and little fee balances of 38 students have been cleared. The RZ classes have been converted into lecture halls because some cases of students sleeping in corridors, lecture halls and washrooms have been reported. However, 3,000 1st yrs missed accommodation and an MOU to get external finances to build a 3,500 bed-capacity hostel has been signed. A ‘Pia mwenzako alale campaign’ will be launched to help increase accommodation.

How does he balance his work and studies? 

Discipline. He has a schedule that he tries to follow. Despite not being able to sit through a whole class, he catches up with everything. “It requires sacrifice but is worth it,” he tells me.

What are the demerits of being a leader in KUSA? 

You spend a lot of time away from academics. Others forget their purpose of being a student leader because of the material benefits. Plus students detach themselves from you because they look at you as part of the administration but that’s not true. “We are one: we are they and they are we. It’s OUR KUSA. We are all a part of it.” 

How does being a ladies’ favourite make him feel? 

“It’s flattering; I don’t see a bad side to it though I once had a stalker. If students find me familiar and easy to be with, it shows that they are free to discuss their problems with me.”

Advice to anyone who wants to vie for a post in KUSA. 

They should not be motivated by material things. The driving force should be a passion to fight for the comrades.

Benefits of being a student leader. 

One is able to represent the others, their ideas are taken into consideration, make networks and the experience is epic.

Parting words.

“We are not letting you down. We are pushing every way possible. We are working. Our offices are always open.”