The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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In a recent development, students at Dedan Kimathi University in Nyeri are poised to receive a modest sum of Ksh.180 each, courtesy of a donation pledged by President William Ruto during his visit to the institution.
President Ruto, during his stopover at the university on March 26, 2024, had promised a donation of Ksh.1 million towards the students’ entertainment endeavors.
Addressing the students during his visit, Ruto light-heartedly remarked, “When I look at you I don’t think you are hungry. You look like you are doing very well,” before adding, “Just say you want something small, you are not hungry. You want something small, that I will do.” Subsequently, he announced the Ksh.1 million donation, urging the school administration to ensure its equitable distribution among the students.
A recent memo issued by the Directorate of Students’ Welfare, signed by Director of Student Affairs Esther Nthiga, shed light on the allocation of funds. It revealed that following a process of public consultation conducted via a Google form, students were given three options: equal distribution of funds among students, organizing a luncheon, or allocating the funds to student bursaries.
The results indicated that 51% of students preferred an equal distribution of funds, while 36.5% favored a luncheon, and 35.5% suggested allocating the funds to student bursaries. With the majority advocating for equal distribution, the university administration computed that each student would receive Ksh.180 from the donation.
In line with this decision, the memo stated, “Following the outcome of the public participation, it has been decided that every undergraduate student during the January-April 2024 semester, including students who are on internal attachment during the semester will be given Ksh.180.”
To facilitate the disbursement process, class representatives were instructed to inform their peers to collect the funds from the Directorate office starting from Friday 9 through to Friday 19. Any unclaimed funds at the end of this period will be redirected towards student bursaries, ensuring the efficient utilization of the donation.
The decision reflects a democratic approach to resource allocation, wherein student voices were considered through a transparent consultation process.
