Machakos University Hosts Turkana University College for Benchmarking on Student Electoral Process

The Office of the Dean of Students, Machakos University, hosted a delegation from Turkana University College led by officials from the Office of the Dean of Students and the Turkana University College Students’ Association for a benchmarking exercise on student leadership elections. The visit focused on Machakos University’s student electoral framework, which has earned recognition for conducting credible, transparent, free and fair student elections while ensuring compliance with the constitutional one-third gender rule in student representation.

The benchmarking session brought together officials from the Machakos University Students Association (SAMU), representatives of various student leadership organs, and the visiting delegation from Turkana University College led by Rev. Jackson Iruko. Discussions centered on the University’s electoral policies, nomination procedures, campaign guidelines, dispute resolution mechanisms, voting procedures, vote tallying, and measures put in place to uphold transparency, accountability, and inclusivity throughout the electoral process. As part of the learning experience, the visitors also participated in a mock election exercise, allowing them to practically experience each stage of the electoral process-from voter verification and ballot casting to vote counting and declaration of results. The simulation provided an opportunity for interactive learning and the exchange of best practices between the two institutions.

Speaking during the session, the Dean of Students Machakos University, Dr. James Karau, reaffirmed Machakos University’s commitment to promoting good governance, democratic leadership, and inclusive representation within student leadership structures. The University also expressed its commitment to supporting other institutions through knowledge sharing and collaboration in strengthening student governance systems. The benchmarking visit underscores the importance of inter-university collaboration in fostering effective leadership, institutional learning, and the adoption of best practices that enhance democratic participation among students. Machakos University remains dedicated to nurturing competent, ethical, and visionary student leaders while serving as a model of excellence in student governance.