In an era where student advocacy and community-based leadership are becoming pivotal, Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed, the visionary Chairman and Founder of the Mandera Students Association (Kenyan Universities), stands as a beacon of hope for the youth of Mandera County.

Driven by a passion for empowering students and addressing critical challenges, Mohamed has spearheaded an initiative that unites university students from Mandera under a common umbrella.

In this interview, he delves into the motivation behind the association, its impact, and the aspirations that guide its journey.

What inspired you to establish the Mandera Students Association, and what key issues were you seeking to address?

Mohamed: The reason I started thinking about the Mandera Students Association Kenyan Universities is to bring all our students under one umbrella to counter the challenges they face in universities and communities through teamwork.

How has the association contributed to improving the welfare and academic success of Mandera County students in universities?

Mohamed: This association aspires to advocate for all students in universities to receive their fair share of bursary allocations, particularly focusing on vulnerable or marginalized students. This helps reduce dropouts and instills a spirit of hope, encouraging students to continue their education.

What are some of the major challenges faced by Mandera students in higher education, and how does the association help overcome them?

Mohamed: There are many challenges, and our students are often victims. For instance:

Bursary Allocation Policies – Bursaries in Mandera are distributed without clear formulas, often influenced by election-related biases. Many students, who were too young to vote during elections, are unfairly penalized based on their parents’ political choices.

Dropouts – Financial difficulties, depression, drug issues, and family problems lead to many dropouts. The association organizes conferences with motivational speakers and leaders to inspire students. We also collaborate with leaders to support students financially where needed.

Femicide and Safety – There have been cases of girls being killed under mysterious circumstances. We aim to create awareness and educate our female students on safety while motivating them to remain focused on their education.We address many other issues that we may not have time to detail fully here.

Could you highlight specific programs or initiatives that have had the greatest impact on student empowerment and personal development?

Mohamed: Previously, Mandera university students had no platform to address their challenges. This gap left them lagging in education, leadership, and responsibilities. Our association now offers such a platform to empower students and foster personal growth.

How does the association foster leadership, mentorship, and career growth for students from Mandera County?

Mohamed: We aim to bring students, leaders, and parents together to discuss the need for collaboration within the community. By partnering with the county government and other stakeholders, we mentor and train students in leadership and professional skills, ensuring collective growth.

What measures are in place to ensure transparency, accountability, and inclusivity within the association’s leadership and operations?

Mohamed: Transparency and inclusivity are core to our operations. We elected representatives who lead the association, including university student leaders and community chairpersons from all universities. Every tribe in our county is represented. We also plan to officially launch the association to make it a public movement involving all stakeholders.

How do you engage and involve students across different universities to ensure equal representation and participation?

Mohamed: We’ve reached out to university leaders and community members across various institutions. By collaborating with their chairpersons, we identify challenges faced by students and address them swiftly.

What role do you believe the association plays in shaping the future of Mandera County through student leadership and advocacy?

Mohamed: We aspire to nurture a morally upright community, informed leaders, and individuals who prioritize community-centered service. The association creates platforms for knowledge sharing, advocacy, and professional development to prepare future leaders who listen and deliver for the people.What are your long-term goals for the association, and how do you plan to sustain its growth and relevance in the future?

Mohamed: We’ve planned for the continuity of leadership through generational transitions. We’ll also hold regular meetings and events to keep our objectives alive and relevant.

What advice would you give to young leaders interested in initiating or leading community-based organizations like this one?

Mohamed: My advice to young leaders is to think about their communities. We are ambassadors of our people, and we must prioritize them. If you have a community-centered idea, bring it forward. Together, we can support and uplift each other.

Through his passion and dedication, Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed is setting a remarkable example of leadership and advocacy, inspiring a brighter future for the students and communities of Mandera County.