The Wildflower of Love:Kenyan University Story

It could be a quiet feeling, growing slowly in a study group at the library, helped along by shared notes and late-night discussions about tests. At Chuka, love comes in many forms, from the popular couples everyone sees holding hands near the gate, to the quiet friendships between classmates who understand the struggles of balancing academics and a social life.

But campus love, like that wildflower, has its problems. Gossip and rumours can hurt relationships. A whispered rumour, spread quickly through campus WhatsApp groups, can quickly break trust. “One minute you’re the ‘campus couple,’ the next moment someone shares a screenshot of a private conversation,” says Sylvia, a third-year Education student. “Campus gossip at Chuka can be brutal”, she adds.

Then there’s the struggle  not being able to talk much because airtime is expensive. Students rely on internet bundles, and sometimes, the only connection is a quick message. School work and money can be really stressful. Balancing tough courses like engineering or computer studies with a relationship is hard. “Sometimes, I feel like I have to choose between my books and my girlfriend,” says David, a final-year Agriculture student. “It’s a constant struggle, especially during exam period.”

But love can be strong. Like the wildflower in tough conditions, student couples at Chuka help each other with assignments, celebrate small wins like acing a test, and find time to be together, maybe a walk in the streets or sharing a meal at a local restaurant. They become each other’s safe places, a source of comfort when things get hard.

Young love can also be fragile. Cheating, unfortunately, happens. A thoughtless comment, a careless action, can hurt deeply. Ignoring someone, even if it’s because of a heavy workload, can be damaging. And family not approving, maybe because of different backgrounds or religious beliefs, can make things really difficult, especially when parents visit during Graduations or Open Days.

“My parents wanted me to date someone from our community,” says Aisha, a second-year Law student. “When they found out I was seeing Kevin, who’s from a different background, they were angry. It caused a lot of tension, especially when they came to pay a visit .”

Even when love lasts, there are still challenges. Leaving university and starting a career can be scary. Many Chuka graduates face unemployment, and money problems can add stress. But if the relationship is strong, with help from friends and family, it can grow.

Think of the good things about campus love at Chuka: laughing together at talent shows or Freshers’ Bash, having someone to support you during those stressful exam weeks, trusting each other, feeling a deep connection. These things can be wonderful.

Sometimes, love is bittersweet. There are good times, but also struggles and sacrifices. Arguments and hurt feelings leave a mark. But even after the pain, something good can come from it. A couple graduating together from Chuka, ready to face the world, is proof of love’s strength.

Though sometimes, love ends. There’s a breakup, a betrayal, and loss. It hurts. It’s a reminder that love isn’t always easy, and it doesn’t always last. The wildflower, beautiful and strong, can also wither and die.

So, think about the wildflower at Chuka University. Think about how strong it is, how beautiful, and how it can produce good things, or sometimes, sad things. It's a good example of love between students at Chuka  complicated, lasting, and always changing. Like the wildflower, campus love keeps going, adapts, and grows, reminding us of its strength, even when things are tough. But it also reminds us that love is fragile and important to take care of because in the end, love, like the wildflower, is special.