KENYAN STUDENT LEADERS PROPOSE INITIATIVES FOR GREATER AFRICAN UNION STUDENT INVOLVEMENT, CONGRATULATE RAILA ODINGA ON AUC BID.
BY NJOKI KARANJA.
The Lake Side Caucus, a collective of student leaders from universities across Kenya, has extended heartfelt congratulations to the Right Honorable Raila Odinga for his commendable pursuit of the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship. While Odinga’s bid did not culminate in victory, the students acknowledged his enduring commitment to the political, social, and economic transformation of Africa. The group also expressed their admiration for His Excellency President William Ruto’s steadfast support for Odinga’s candidacy, highlighting the cooperation between Kenya’s leadership and the African Union as an enduring legacy.
In a statement released to the press, the Lake Side Caucus of student leaders emphasized their gratitude for the collaborative efforts between the Kenyan government and diplomatic channels across the continent, which helped propel Odinga’s candidacy through the early stages of the AUC election. “Kenya has made an indelible mark on the African Union, and we are proud of the steps taken to ensure our nation’s influence on the continent remains strong,” they said.
The student leaders also underscored the need for greater youth involvement in shaping Africa’s future, particularly through the African Union’s decision-making processes. They called for initiatives that would involve university students directly in the African Union’s work, including student shadowing programs, Pan-African university forums, and the creation of AU Centers for Democracy and Governance within universities across Africa.
In their statement, the student leaders proposed the establishment of student shadowing programs, allowing university students to work alongside AU officials to gain firsthand experience in governance. They also advocated for Pan-African university forums, where African students could exchange intellectual and cultural insights, while contributing to the development of African ideals of democracy, unity, and prosperity.
Additionally, the student group called for the creation of AU Centers for Democracy and Governance in African universities, emphasizing the pivotal role that student governments and movements have played in challenging colonial and authoritarian rule. “We want to honor the legacy of those who fought for Africa’s second liberation and empower the next generation of leaders to continue their work,” the statement read.
The Lake Side Caucus also indicated their intention to seek an audience with Kenya’s leadership, including President Ruto, Raila Odinga, and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, in hopes of securing support for these transformative proposals. The student leaders believe that with national leadership backing, these initiatives could be brought to fruition, strengthening Pan-Africanism and empowering African youth to actively participate in the continent’s political and governance structures.
As the African Union continues its mission of fostering unity, peace, and prosperity across the continent, the Lake Side Caucus remains dedicated to advancing the ideals of Pan-Africanism and ensuring that the voices of young people are represented in the corridors of power. They encourage the African Union to embrace these proposals for a brighter, united Africa.
