Jukwaa la Wasomi Forum Strengthens Security Dialogue at Maseno University
The Jukwaa la Wasomi Forum at Maseno University on Tuesday 30th September, 2025 drew together top county security chiefs, University leadership, community representatives, and students in a candid discussion on security within the institution and the wider Kisumu community.
Kisumu County Commissioner Benson D. Leparmorijo was the chief guest at the gathering, arriving in the company of County Administration Police Commander John Kamau and County Criminal Investigations Officer Joshua Chelal. The delegation was first received by the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Julius O. Nyabundi in the Vice-Chancellor University’s Boardroom before heading to the Amphitheatre, where the forum was held.
Commissioner Leparmorijo struck a fatherly tone in his address, assuring students that the government was committed to their safety while reminding them that their ultimate responsibility remained their academic journey. “Security is a shared duty,” he told the gathering, “and as much as the administration is ready to respond to your concerns, you must also play your part by staying disciplined and focused.”
Mr. Kamau and Mr. Chelal echoed the Commissioner’s sentiments, pledging to strengthen ties between law enforcement and students. They said their offices were ready to adapt to the needs raised by the young people, adding that a spirit of dialogue would go a long way in building trust.
From within the University, Deputy Director of Student Affairs, Mr. Kweya J. Opande, reassured students of continued institutional support, while Chief Security Officer, Mr. Kennedy Gendo, outlined measures being taken on campus to keep both learners and staff safe. Maseno Municipality Chairman, Mr. Lodvick Otieno, called for closer ties between the University and its host community, while Inspector Soita Wanakacha underscored the role of discipline in securing a peaceful environment.
Students from Kisumu National Polytechnic, KCA University Kisumu Campus, Railway Training Institute, Africa Institute of Development Studies, Nairobi Aviation, ICS College, Kenya Institute of Management, University of Nairobi Kisumu Campus and the hosts Maseno University attended the forum under leadership of their Cordinator Jukwa la Wasomi Nyanza and Kisumu County edition, Mr. Paul Samuel, who aiso serves as Secretary General, Students’ Organisation of Maseno University (SOMU). Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Samuel welcomed the dialogue, saying it offered students a direct channel to voice their concerns to decision-makers. “The commitment we have seen today assures us that our welfare matters, and that gives us confidence to remain focused on our studies,” he said.
Closing the session, the Vice-Chancellor commended Maseno University students for their responsible conduct, noting the care they have shown in maintaining University infrastructure. He encouraged them to use their comradeship positively, both for academic success and community building. He further thanked Commissioner Leparmorijo and his team for dedicating time to the forum, describing their presence as a strong statement of commitment to student Welfare and County Security.
The forum ended on a note of optimism, with both administrators and students pledging to keep dialogue open and to work together in building a safe and supportive learning environment.
