By Fresher Awuor

The Spring semester has been a triumphant one for the Spoken Arts & Debate Society (SADS). From participating in the Olympia Invitational in Kampala, Uganda to championing in the Mashujaa Open, SADS is thriving in its endeavors in the debating world. SADS participated in the 6th Edition of the Mashujaa Opens Tournament organized every month physically at the Strathmore University on Saturday, February 12 and Sunday, February 13.

The tournament brings together different institutions in Kenya to equip students with skills and enable them to effectively compete not only regionally but continentally and globally.

SADS was represented by 3 teams of 6 members and 1 judge. Chantelle Mukabi (Applied Computer Technology, (SADS Chair) and Sam Kagia, Finance, Senior (SADS Vice Chair) were part of the Chief Adjudication Panel that oversees the generation of debate motions and running the tournament. SADS competitively preserved its prestige at the Mashujaa Opens to carry home a number of awards to its name. Below are some of the successes of SADS:

1. Jeremiah Kashaka, International Business Administration, Junior (SADS Logistics Officer) was awarded the 4th best speaker of the Open Rounds.
2. Victor Mwendwa, Finance, Freshman (SADS member) took part as an adjudicator and was commended for being the 3rd best judge throughout the tournament.
3. Jeremiah Kashaka (International Business Administration, Junior) & Bienvenue Faraja (Applied Computer Technology, Senior) broke to the grand finale of the Open Rounds and became the 2nd runner’s up.
4. Fresher Diana (International Relations, Junior) & Louis Gitu (Film Production and Directing, Junior) broke to the semi-finals of the Open Rounds.
5. Candy Margret (Journalism, Freshman), her second tournament & Lauryn Ojore (Criminal Justice, Sophomore) being, her first tournament broke to the Semi-finals in the Novice Round.

All the teams representing SADS at the tournament tirelessly train with the guidance of its committee. Giving credit where it is due, SADS could not have thrived without the guidance and tutelage of club patron Dr. Quin Juma, Chair, Department of Languages & Literature, School of Humanities and Social Sciences. USIU-Africa through SADS is yet to achieve more to become a globally recognized institution that equips its students with debating and public speaking skills. SADS is yet to achieve more and create a legacy of competence to affiliate with through:

1. Participating in the Pan African Universities Debate Championship in Kenya from 8th -15th December at Strathmore University;
2. Participating in the East Africa Universities Debate Championship in Arusha, Tanzania in August;
3. Representing in the African Nations League Tournament to be held in Nairobi.