Glen Karani Gikundi Takes Student Demands to Mombasa — Fees, Dates and Finance Policy on the Table at KUSA Induction

Kenyatta University's new student leadership has taken its first demands beyond Nairobi.

In a post published on its official Facebook page on Sunday, 1 November 2026, at 10:54am East African Time, Kenyatta University said KUSA Chairman Glen Karani Gikundi introduced and welcomed representatives from various congressional entities during the 22nd KUSA Induction Seminar 2026 at North Coast Beach Hotel, Mombasa.

Student leaders gathered outdoors at North Coast Beach Hotel, Mombasa, during the 22nd KUSA Induction Seminar 2026.Photo: Kenyatta University / Facebook, 1 November 2026, supplied to Campus Pulse.

That venue matters. Until this post, the Coast gathering of the 22nd Congress had been reported as a trip, without a confirmed venue, dates or programme. This post confirms the venue and the event name: the 22nd KUSA Induction Seminar 2026, at North Coast Beach Hotel, Mombasa. Photographs from the seminar, supplied to Campus Pulse, show the North Coast Beach Hotel and Kenyatta University banners at the venue, Mr Gikundi speaking at a podium, and a large group of leaders gathered outdoors at the hotel.

In his address at the seminar, according to the university's account, Mr Gikundi highlighted three student concerns.

The first was the implementation of the university's Finance Policy. The post does not set out which part of the policy he raised, and Campus Pulse is not filling that gap.

The second was the adjustment of semester dates following the lecturers' strike. The strike began on 2 October 2026 and was called off after a return-to-work agreement signed on the evening of Friday, 30 October, with lecturers directed to resume on Monday, 2 November.

The third was the need for consideration of an extension of fee payment deadlines, to accommodate students affected by the disruptions.

That third point lands against a deadline already in writing. A Kenyatta University memo dated 31 October 2026, received by Campus Pulse on the school corporate email and verified by Campus Pulse, requires students to clear all pending fees arrears by Friday, 6 November 2026, and to complete unit registration by Friday, 13 November 2026. Mr Gikundi's address, as reported by the university, asks for consideration of an extension. It does not say an extension has been granted, and Campus Pulse has seen no announcement granting one. Do not read this story as saying the 6 November deadline has moved.

The university's post says Mr Gikundi reaffirmed his commitment to delivering on the mandate entrusted to the 22nd KUSA leadership, pledging to champion student interests and promote meaningful service throughout his term.

The induction itself was framed by the university's senior leadership, in further seminar posts supplied to Campus Pulse.

Kenyatta University's Acting Director of Student Affairs, Dr Eric Masika, highlighted the rationale for inducting the newly elected leaders, emphasising accountable governance and responsible student leadership. He outlined four pillars of the induction programme: understanding the mandate entrusted to student leaders, familiarising themselves with university rules and governance systems, strengthening leadership practices, and promoting integrity and accountability. He said the induction was an important foundation for equipping the newly elected leaders with the knowledge, values and skills necessary to serve the student community effectively and responsibly.

A session during the 22nd KUSA Induction Seminar 2026 at North Coast Beach Hotel, with Kenyatta University and North Coast Beach Hotel banners visible.Photo: Kenyatta University / Facebook, 1 November 2026, supplied to Campus Pulse.

Kenyatta University Registrar, Corporate Affairs, Prof. Mildred Nawiri, presented on engaging responsibly: corporate affairs, university facilities and external guest protocol in KUSA activities. Her presentation focused on responsible engagement, proper coordination with university departments, appropriate use of institutional facilities and adherence to protocol when hosting external guests during student activities. She underscored the role of KUSA leaders in upholding the university's image through effective communication, professionalism and responsible organisation of student engagements.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. John Okumu challenged the newly elected 22nd KUSA Congress to transform their electoral mandate into meaningful student service. Congratulating the leaders on their electoral success, he particularly encouraged those re-elected for a second term to build on their experience and mentor newly elected colleagues. He emphasised leadership anchored in humility, integrity, teamwork, accountability and service to the entire student community. He urged the leaders to become ambassadors of Kenyatta University, embrace dialogue and pursue solutions that create lasting value for students. He also highlighted institutional milestones, including progress on the 2,500-unit affordable student housing project, the university's Gold Tier recognition, student choir achievements and excellence in sports. He challenged the leaders with the question: "What will students say we achieved?"

Vice-Chancellor Prof. John Okumu (centre) with KUSA Chairman Glen Karani Gikundi (left) and Vice Chairperson Daisy Khalivitsi Lessoi (right, name badge visible) at the 22nd KUSA Induction Seminar 2026.Photo: Kenyatta University / Facebook, 1 November 2026, supplied to Campus Pulse.

Mr Gikundi leads the 22nd KUSA Student Governing Council inaugurated on 22 October 2026, with Vice-Chancellor Prof. John Okumu presiding, as reported by People Daily on 22 October. The council was declared elected after elections concluded on 15 October 2026, in an amended declaration signed by Prof. Lucy Kathuri-Ogola and stamped 21 October 2026. Campus Pulse is not republishing registration numbers from that declaration.

Sources:

Kenyatta University, official Facebook page, post published 1 Nov 2026, 10:54 EAT, on the 22nd KUSA Induction Seminar 2026 at North Coast Beach Hotel, Mombasa, and Mr Glen Karani Gikundi's address: https://www.facebook.com/100064311354535/posts/1528056416014722/

Kenyatta University seminar posts on Dr Eric Masika, Prof. Mildred Nawiri and Prof. John Okumu at the 22nd KUSA Induction Seminar 2026, with photographs, supplied to Campus Pulse by Vince on 1 Nov 2026.

People Daily, 22 Oct 2026, 11:28, Sharon Atieno, "Kenyatta University students get new leaders as 22nd KUSA council takes office": https://peopledaily.digital/news/kenyatta-university-students-get-new-leaders-as-22nd-kusa-council-takes-office

Kenyatta University memo, Office of the Registrar (Academic), Internal Memo, "Resumption of Classes", ref KU/RAC/GENCIR/45/VOL.3/80, dated 31 Oct 2026 — memo received by Campus Pulse on the school corporate email and verified by Campus Pulse, 31 Oct 2026 (see Campus Pulse article 63).