Face time with ZETECH Student Leader, Sydney Obiero

Babu Odondi He is dark in complexion, stands at an average height of 5’6” and considerably stout, or as he terms it – ‘built’. He describes himself as a man full of life, charming and industrious. He is known in the ZETECH fraternity for his leadership skills, as the ZETECH College Student Association (ZESA) Chairperson.
Unbeknown to many, the Bachelor of Business Information Technology (BBIT) student leader has a promising career in acting – having featured in local productions such as Mheshimiwa (2011), Lies that Bind, Block D (2012) and the Prem (2013). Sydney also plays rugby for the Nondies Rugby Football Club.
He took some time to speak to Babu Odondi.

Where did you grow up and how was the experience?

I was born and brought up in
Kibera some 20+ years ago.
It was challenging and quite an
experience if you ask me. As a child I always had this affinity to succeed in life but there weren’t enough role models to look up to even in tough times. Time after time I had to contend with the fact that a friend had dropped out of school either through lack of fees, early pregnancies or submission to the world of drug abuse. it was truly heartbreaking but I am lucky I escaped the vices and
unfortunate circumstances.
Briefly describe your acad emic pursuits.
I commenced schooling at Happy Kid’s Nursery School in Nairobi, and later on proceeded to Kilimani Primary School up to class five. I then joined Mululu Primary School for the remainder of my Primary school.
I was admitted to Nyamori High school in Vihiga District, where I sat for my KCSE, before joining Zetech College in 2011 where I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Business Information Technology.

Was your childhood dream to be in Business and IT?

Growing up, I always wanted to become a lawyer. This unwavering admiration was developed during my primary school days when I used to be complemented for my shrewd command of the English language.  However, this was not to be as fate would have it, I developed a soft spot for Business and IT that led me into pursuing BBIT.

How do you juggle between acting, rugby, studies and student affairs?

This is a constant challenge I contend with daily.  All these engagements are time intensive; therefore I always draft a daily routine running from Monday to Friday. As the Chairperson of ZESA, I delegate whenever possible, to my fellow student leaders, therefore making it possible for me to engage in other affairs.
I am usually in the Student Union offices during my free time – in between classes. As for acting, my rehearsals are always on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings while Rugby training takes place on Mondays and Thursday from 4pm.

What are your personal traits and hobbies?

I am a firm believer in God almighty, the creator of the Universe.  I am a friendly, calm, composed and a down to earth person. I am very active guy in the sense that I always want to achieve. I have vast interests in reading motivational material. I find the stage to be irresistible, hence my love for acting.

Did you ever fathom becoming a leader before joining ZESA?

Immediately I joined Zetech in 2011/2012, I just felt a deep sense of belonging to this community. My interaction with fellow students was a resounding one. I was elected as the speaker of the Students’ Council Assembly in the same year.
This ignited my ambition to serve the Zetech students on a higher platform; therefore I ran for the Zetech Student Association Chairmanship for year 2012/2013 and emerged victorious.
This however, is not the first time in the corridors of leadership for I have also served as a class prefect, dormitory captain and youth leader in primary school, high school and church, respectively.

What are some of the experiences and opportunities that you have gained serving as Student leader?

I have acquired a lot of experience from, how to respond to questions, listening sills, mediation techniques, public speaking among many others.
The whole concept of leadership has opened new doors for me. At the moment I am the Chairperson of Formal Employment Initiative of Nairobi and also, the Finance Officer of Poverty Eradication and Community Empowerment (PEACE).
I have also had the opportunity of representing ZESA in the African Virtual University forum and other different leadership forums as well.

How do you think people will remember your reign as the ZESA Chair?

I have upheld all my duties as the Chair devotedly and passionately.  I have served my fellow students to the best of my abilities. Also I take note of criticism, purposefully for the betterment of my future task.
Among my most memorable achievements that I can recall is, the Pre-election Peace campaign in Kibera, initiating the student Cabinet Committee in Student Parliament, finding internship for students and facilitating the recently held Women Empowerment Forum.

What are some of the challenges you meet in your day to day duties?

We take charge of student affairs which involves planning student events like the Zetech night, freshman (Freshaz) night and the sports day event. All these activities do require a lot of willpower and dedication for successful execution.
We are always under pressure from the students which sometimes leads to unfair criticism. This has at times affected my fellow leaders with some feeling withdrawn especially after succumbing to low self esteem.
Financial limitation has been a major challenge experienced by ZESA, therefore our achievement, thus far has not been as great as we envisioned.

What is your future aspiration’s post ZESA?

I am keen to complete my degree programme. If everything goes according to my plans, I will try my hand in politics by contesting for a parliamentary seat in my rural place in the 2017 general election.  I also aim to elevate the lives of youths by providing them with a platform to empower them.