Nairobi: Maseno University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Julius Omondi Nyabundi has cautioned university students across the country to be wary of criminal elements seeking to lure them into anti-social behavior, radicalization, and crime. Addressing 8,000 first-year students at the institution's main campus, Prof. Nyabundi noted that universities remain prime targets for radicalization and terrorist recruitment, warning students against entertaining unsolicited offers from strangers or peers.
According to Kenya News Agency, the VC advised students to remain vigilant and report any suspicious approaches to avoid dangerous and irreversible consequences. He also warned against irresponsible behavior, such as moving around late at night, attending disco matangas, watching late-night football in insecure neighborhoods, associating with drug peddlers, or entering toxic relationships.
Prof. Nyabundi emphasized the importance of monitoring peers for sudden changes in lifestyle or behavior and reporting such cases to the Directorate of Student Affairs. He cited past cases, including the murder of Multimedia University student Silvia Kemunto in April 2024, to stress the need for vigilance and responsible conduct.
The Vice-Chancellor urged students to adhere to university rules and regulations, describing them as a guide to success and a substitute for parental and community oversight. He encouraged seeking guidance from counselors, avoiding destructive company, and fostering peer support, advising students to be their brother's or sister's keeper and make lifelong friends.
Prof. Nyabundi, who also chairs the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), reiterated the university's commitment to expanding infrastructure and providing quality academic mentorship. He urged students admitted under the new higher education funding model to remain focused, apply for government scholarships and loans, and seek support from the Directorate of Student Affairs.
The VC addressed the challenges posed by the New Higher Education Funding Model (NHEFM) introduced in 2023, which linked funding to student need rather than institutional block grants. While aimed at easing pending bills in public universities, the model faced criticism for excluding needy students while favoring undeserving ones. Kenya is expected to unveil a new funding model in September 2025.
Prof. Nyabundi also warned against joining unlawful strikes and demonstrations, urging students to use established mechanisms to channel grievances, including the offices of Student Affairs, school deans, and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of academics.