Derrick Troy, of Team Fresh Perspective, is the New UNSA President 2025

Derrick Troy Rusana Odhiambo, a 4^th Year BSC Electrical and Electronics Engineering student, is the newly elected University of Nairobi Students Association (UNSA) 2025/2026 President. Derrick is the chair of Team Fresh Perspectives, whose members are Vice-Chair, Purity Mwendwa Mutua, Secretary General, Elisha Wasike, Treasurer, Julia Wasi, Sports Welfare , Erick Muturi, PWD Representative, Collins Cheruiyot and International Representative,  Sarah Tabahola.

The New Student Leaders were sworn in the historical Taifa Hall on Friday, April 25, 2025 in the presence of University Management and the Student Community.

The Team saw a win after a 52-day cycle of elections as opposed to the usual 30-day cycle. The Electoral process was plagued by Court Cases, as revealed by the Chair of the Commission, Dr. Kenneth Ombongi in his speech at the Swearing-in Ceremony, ‘What we had envisioned as a 30-day process extended to 52 days—nearly two months. We found ourselves navigating not just logistics, but litigation. Six court cases—three in Nairobi and three in the far-flung High Court of Siaya. Some may ask, “Why Siaya and not my home town of Kisii, Kisumu, or even Kiambu, a stone’s throw away?” Perhaps history will answer that in time. What matters is that when we were called to defend our decisions, we did so with the courage of our convictions and the clarity of the Constitution.’

On her part, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Jesang Hutchinson congratulated all the student teams that won and called them into a responsible leadership, she invited the student leaders to work closely with management to address issues that are affecting the UoN student population and especially, on the critical issue of mental health, ‘ To our newly elected leaders: the time for campaigns is over. The time for action is now. The University Management stands ready to work with you, as partners, not opponents, in addressing the needs of our students. We encourage regular engagement, structured dialogue, and a spirit of mutual respect. Together, we can make tangible progress on issues such as access to learning resources, campus infrastructure, student welfare, and inclusive development. I would also like to address an issue that is becoming increasingly urgent within our university community: mental health.’

Prof. Hutchinson also congratulated the Independent Electoral Commission, led by Dr. Ombongi, ‘you rose to the occasion and conducted yourselves with professionalism, impartiality, and integrity. We thank you for your tireless dedication to ensuring a free, fair, and credible electoral process. You have set a strong precedent for the future.’

There was election in 6 electoral colleges and 7 teams won uncontested. There was a decrease in voter turnout from 45% to 30%, The Chair of commission highlighted, ‘ At Kenya Science Campus, turnout reached an inspiring 73.7%. At the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 60.8%. And while some areas—like Arts & Social Sciences (21%) and Business & Management Science (24.6%)—lagged behind, these contrasts offer us insight and opportunity.

We saw progress in representation—nine students with disabilities elected, ten international students taking leadership, and for the first time, a female student elected Chairperson in Kisumu Campus. These are not just victories—they are symbols of what is possible when equity and inclusion are more than slogans, but standards.’

Other Faculty and Campus Student Association teams that were sworn in per electoral College are: -

Watch the Swearing-in Ceremony