Incumbents Swept Back to Power as KUSU University of Nairobi Chapter Concludes 2026 Polls

NAIROBI, March 13, 2026

Members of the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) at the University of Nairobi have delivered a resounding mandate to the status quo, re-electing a familiar slate of veteran leaders to guide the union through the 2026–2031 cycle.

The election, which concluded yesterday, saw a high turnout as staff members across all campuses cast their votes to determine the leadership that will spearhead upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations and staff welfare advocacy.

In the top-tier contests, the incumbents secured dominant victories, signaling a "protest vote" against radical change in favor of experienced hands. Tobias Popo Simiyu securing Branch Chairman with a staggering 723 votes, easily defeating challengers Annmarie (150 votes) and Otundo (55 votes).

The race for the powerful Branch Secretary position saw Peter Waita cement his leadership with 690 votes, overcoming a spirited challenge from FEM, who garnered 264 votes. Waita, a vocal advocate for the implementation of internal CBAs, is expected to continue his aggressive stance against the University Council regarding pending staff payments.

The "status quo" trend continued across the board, with several candidates winning by margins that left little room for doubt: Organizing Secretary: Victor Waweru emerged as one of the biggest winners of the night, securing 742 votes against Devanson Omvega’s 194.

Treasurer: Tom Oloo maintained control of the union’s coffers with 689 votes, comfortably ahead of Njau’s 239, Woman Representative: Anne secured a decisive win with 684 votes, outperforming Vera (203) and Monica (137).

The results reflect a membership that values stability. With the national KUSU body currently navigating a complex labor landscape involving the 2021–2025 and 2026–2031 cycles, the UoN chapter has opted for a team that is already well-versed in the "language of the boardroom."

The narrowest margin of the day was seen in the Trustee race, where Kasalu with 455 edged out Elizabeth by 93 votes, Elizabeth cornering 362, Felix: 72 and Ogeto: 57. The Deputy Treasurer race, where Esau with 541 held off a strong challenge from Kimani who cornered 414

The newly elected team is expected to be sworn in later this week, immediately facing the task of addressing the "letters and promises" of the University Council regarding the long-awaited 2017/21 internal CBA implementation.