Category: Campus News

By Chelangat Caren,

 

Daystar University has secured a KES 17.5 million national grant to lead one of Kenya’s most comprehensive studies on child labour to date, placing the institution at the centre of policy conversations on children’s rights and education.

The project, awarded in May 2026, will map the scale, drivers, and regional patterns of child labour across all 47 counties. It is being conducted in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime  and the International Labour Organization .

“Research for Action”

Daystar University Vice Chancellor Prof. Laban P. Ayiro is serving as the Principal Investigator. Speaking during recent university engagements, Prof. Ayiro has emphasized the link between culture, virtue, and human formation in tackling systemic social issues , a framework he says will also guide this study.

“Child labour is not just a statistic. It’s about children who should be in classrooms, not in hazardous work,” a member of the research team noted. “This grant allows us to move from assumptions to evidence that can shape county and national policy.”

 

Why It Matters Now

Kenya has made strides in education access, but pockets of child labour persist, especially in informal sectors, agriculture, and urban street economies. By covering all 47 counties, the Daystar-led study aims to provide county-specific data that policymakers, NGOs, and faith-based organisations can use to target interventions.

 

The research will also assess how factors like school fees, household income, and migration influence child labour trends ,findings that tie directly to Daystar’s focus on family, education, and community welfare.

 

A University-Wide Commitment

The grant adds to Daystar’s growing research profile. In June alone, the university hosted an Entrepreneurship Expo for student-led businesses, launched academic excellence awards, and strengthened international partnerships in nursing education with Taylor University.

 

For students, the project opens doors to field research, data analysis, and advocacy experience. Several School of Business and Social Sciences students are expected to support data collection and dissemination in the coming months.

Fieldwork is set to begin this trimester, with preliminary findings expected before the end of 2026. The final report will be shared with the Ministry of Labour, county governments, and UN partners to inform Kenya’s next phase of child protection strategies.

 

As Prof Ayiro put it during the KESSHA Conference: building strong schools and communities requires both virtue and evidence. With this study, Daystar is contributing both.

 

By Richard Onyango

Daystar University officially opened the 2026 Nairobi Regional Hub Conference of the International Communication Association (ICA) today, bringing together scholars, researchers, students, and communication professionals for conversations centered on communication and inequalities in society.

The conference, running from June 4–6, is part of the 76th Annual ICA Conference taking place in Cape Town, South Africa, under the global theme, “Communication and Inequalities in Context.” The Nairobi Regional Hub is among several hubs organized worldwide to expand participation and create opportunities for scholars and students unable to attend the main conference physically.

The opening session featured virtual addresses from international communication scholars and ICA leaders who emphasized the urgent need for inclusivity, collaboration, and mentorship in addressing global inequalities through communication. Speaking during the opening session, incoming ICA President for 2026–2027, Professor Ingrid Bachmann of Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, described ICA as a growing and increasingly diverse organization that still has room for broader inclusion.

“This has become a diverse organization which still needs to grow,” she said.

Professor Bachmann noted that inequalities around the world inspired this year’s conference theme and challenged communication scholars to intentionally create spaces that include more voices and perspectives.

“ICA can deal with these inequalities by being aware of these inequalities and differences and being intentional about including other people and more people,” she added.

Outgoing ICA President 2025–2026, Professor Dr. Thomas Hanitzsch of LMU Munich, commended the work being done within the African communication landscape and acknowledged the importance of regional hubs such as Nairobi in shaping global academic conversations.He also emphasized that inequality remains a major global challenge and encouraged ICA to deliberately mentor future leaders from underrepresented regions and countries.

At the local level, Dr. Robert Aswani, Dean of the School of Communication at Daystar University and Chair of the ICA Kenya Chapter, highlighted the role the conference continues to play in advancing communication scholarship in Africa. Dr. Aswani noted that while ICA has already made tremendous progress globally, there is still room to strengthen its impact through greater interdisciplinary collaboration among scholars and researchers.

He further described the conference as an important breakthrough platform that allows scholars, students, and practitioners to network, share research, and contribute toward addressing communication inequalities.

The conference continues to position Daystar University as a leading center for communication scholarship in Africa. Over the years, the university has hosted several editions of the ICA Regional Hub, attracting participants from universities across Kenya and international presenters from around the world.

This year’s conference features live sessions, research presentations, panel discussions, and breakout engagements focusing on media, digital communication, artificial intelligence, journalism, public relations, and emerging communication technologies.

For students pursuing communication and media-related courses, the conference offers an opportunity to engage directly with scholars and professionals shaping conversations around communication in Africa and beyond.

As discussions continue throughout the three-day event, participants are expected to explore how communication research, innovation, and collaboration can help address both global and local inequalities in an increasingly digital world.

The conversation continues tomorrow with more panel discussions, research presentations, and collaborative engagements expected to further examine the role of communication in addressing inequalities across different contexts.

 

By Tracy Kavai,

 

Daystar University has secured a landmark national research grant and consultancy engagement worth KES 17.5 million to implement a nationwide study on child labour in Kenya.

The announcement was made by the Directorate of Research, Innovation, Commercialization, and Entrepreneurship (DRICE), describing the achievement as a major milestone for the university’s growing reputation in impactful and policy-driven research.

The five-month study will cover all 47 counties in Kenya and aims to generate evidence that will help inform public policy, strengthen child protection systems, and guide future interventions aimed at combating child labour and its worst forms.

The research project will be conducted in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the International Labour Organization, and the State Department for Children Services. The partnership highlights Daystar University’s increasing recognition as a trusted institution in national and international research engagements.

DRICE congratulated the project team led by Prof. Laban P. Ayiro, Vice-Chancellor and Professor of Research Methods at Daystar University. Other members of the team include Dr. Martin Opondo Oloo, Dr. Roseline Olumbe, and Samuel Munyuwiny, who is also a Daystar PhD student and adjunct lecturer.

According to DRICE, the achievement reflects the power of visionary leadership, multidisciplinary scholarship, doctoral talent, and strategic collaboration in addressing pressing national challenges affecting children in Kenya.

The Directorate further noted that the project aligns with Daystar University’s commitment to advancing justice, influencing public policy, and transforming society through meaningful research and innovation.

 

In a statement signed by Dr. Caroline Ayuya Muaka, the university community was encouraged to celebrate the milestone and congratulate the research team for bringing pride and recognition to Daystar University.

 

 

By Tracy Kavai

ATHI RIVER, KENYA – On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, Daystar University’s Athi River campus became a global stage for maritime and diplomatic discourse as the School of Arts and Social Sciences hosted its annual Diplomatic Day.

The high-level summit, themed “Shared Perspectives on Blue Economy, Maritime Security, and Diplomacy,” brought together a formidable assembly of regional power players, international envoys, and ambassadors from the ASEAN region to bridge the gap between academic theory and the urgent geopolitical needs of the Indian Ocean rim.

The event moderated by Dr. Radoli Ouma Radoli, PhD, Associate Dean of the School of Communication, kicked off with a vibrant performance by the Daystar University Choir and a solemn prayer session led by University Chaplain Rev. Miano Weche, who urged attendees to “take reconciliation into the world and become ambassadors of peace.”

Dr. Radoli took a central role in welcoming a high-profile delegation that included Mr. Joseph Boinnet representing Ambassador Monica Juma, Director-General of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime at Vienna, Ambassador Nancy Karigithu (representing CS Hassan Joho), and Mr. Mustafa Ibrahim (representing PS Dr. Abraham Korir Sing’oei). The international diplomatic corps was strongly represented by H.E. Witjaksono Adji (Indonesia), H.E. Marie Charlotte G. Tang (Philippines), H.E. Ruzaimi Mohamad (Malaysia), Ms. Ruvini De Silva (Sri Lanka), and Ms. Piyaporn Putanapan (Thailand). Also in attendance were Lieutenant Colonel Ernest Ndirangu of the Kenya Naval Training College, Dr. Solomon Njenga of the Mashariki Research and Policy Centre, and Mr. Paul Kariuki of the ICRC.

Opening the official speaking program, the Dean of the School of Arts and Social Sciences, Dr. Josephine Munyao, welcomed the guests by emphasizing the pedagogical mission of the day. She stated, “The goal of this annual event is to link classroom learning and real-life experiences. We are looking forward to learning a lot, and by the end of this day, we will be very rich.”

Following the Dean, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Research and Student Affairs, Prof. Samuel Muriithi, grounded the economic discussion in ethical responsibility, noting that “God gave humanity responsibility over the earth. Let us be good stewards of creation and the ocean economy,” while calling for firm legislation to protect the environment.

The security of the continent’s waters was then addressed by Mr. Joseph Boinnet, the former Inspector General of Police, who delivered a message on behalf of Ambassador Monica Juma. Mr. Boinnet cautioned that economic growth is impossible without safety, stating, “We need to safeguard sea lines of communication, protect offshore infrastructure, and create stability within which trade and livelihoods can flourish.” This was followed by Mr. Mustafa Ibrahim, who noted that “diplomacy today extends beyond traditional state-to-state relations and now incorporates the blue economy to prevent systemic weaknesses in governance.” Lieutenant Colonel Ernest Ndirangu then explained the military’s role, stating that the “Kenya Navy turns maritime strategy into diplomacy, securing the ocean and building partnerships.”

Representing the policy frontier, Ambassador Nancy Karigithu delivered a powerful charge on behalf of CS Hassan Joho, declaring, “The real blue economy is not a political concept, it’s not a slogan, but a tangible, measurable, governable resource base that Kenya is only beginning to unlock.”

The international community then provided a global blueprint for cooperation, led by H.E. Witjaksono Adji, who described the Indian Ocean as a “bridge connecting Africa and Asia.” He was supported by H.E. Marie Charlotte G. Tang, who remarked that “advancing maritime rights is a shared responsibility,” and H.E. Ruzaimi Mohamad, who highlighted Malaysia’s model of safe maritime activities. Ms. Ruvini De Silva and Ms. Piyaporn Putanapan both concluded that diplomacy remains the primary tool to ensure the Indian Ocean remains a zone of peace.

The technical and humanitarian complexities were rounded off by expert perspectives from Dr. Solomon Njenga, who detailed the “Climate-Security-Peace nexus,” and Mr. Paul Kariuki, who reminded the summit that humanitarian protection must remain at the heart of all maritime policies.

The event concluded with cultural networking and a tree-planting ceremony, reaffirming Daystar University’s mission to shape future global citizens through excellence and servant leadership.

 

By Tracy Kavai

The Daystar University Students Association (DUSA) hosted a Financial Literacy Forum under the theme “Money, Freedom and Choices” on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the Main Campus Amphitheatre in Athi River. The event, which ran from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., attracted a vibrant turnout from students across the university community.

The forum brought together experts from the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK), the National Treasury of Kenya, ICEA Lion Group, and CIC Asset Management to unpack critical issues around personal finance, including budgeting, savings, and investments.

Delivering the keynote address, CPA Stanley Mutua, CEO of Lofty‑Corban Investments, spoke on the theme “Money, Freedom and Choices.” He reminded students that money is more than currency, describing it as a tool that provides independence, stability, solvency, and peace of mind.

“Most financial stress comes from the lack of a simple plan. Begin with savings, build an emergency fund, and then invest wisely. Debt is the fastest way to lose freedom, pay off expensive loans first, then invest consistently,” he said.

Mutua also challenged students to adopt a 7‑Day Financial Action Plan to take immediate control of their finances. The plan encourages students to write a budget separating needs, wants, and goals; identify and eliminate at least two spending leaks; open or activate a savings or money market fund; set up automatic weekly transfers; learn one investing concept such as inflation, compounding, or risk; explore a side‑income idea based on their skills; and review their progress over 30 days.

He further simplified investing by linking traditional asset classes to practical student realities: preservation through savings and money market funds, income through bonds and dividends, growth through equities and balanced funds, and longevity through diversified, long-term investments.

Also contributing to the forum, Aguyah Wilfred Aguya, a Financial Advisor at the ICEA Lion Group, emphasized the importance of discipline and consistency in investing. He encouraged students to avoid debt-driven investments, diversify their portfolios, and focus on long-term compounding strategies to build wealth.

Elizabeth Mureithi, Wealth Advisor at CIC Asset Management, urged students to recognize and develop their God-given talents and skills as a foundation for financial independence. She highlighted those personal abilities, whether academic, creative, or entrepreneurial, can be nurtured into sustainable income streams and long-term opportunities.

DUSA Treasurer Purity Wangui reinforced the importance of financial literacy, noting that the forum aimed to equip students with practical life skills beyond the classroom.

“We want Daystar students to leave here not only with academic knowledge but also with the ability to make smart financial choices that shape their future,” she said.

The event offered more than just learning. Attendees enjoyed refreshments, free Red Bull cans, and transport arranged for students traveling from the Valley Road campus.

The forum was made possible through the support of sponsors including the Daystar School of Business & Economics, ICPAK, ICEA Lion Group, CIC Asset Management, Red Bull, and Zhele V3/Shelev X3. Their partnership highlighted the importance of empowering young people with financial knowledge and practical skills.

By the end of the forum, students left inspired to take greater control of their financial futures through informed decision-making, disciplined saving and investing, and responsible financial leadership.

By Tracy Kavai,

Daystar University is preparing for an evening of glamour and celebration as the community gears up for the highly anticipated Star of Excellence Awards—2026 Edition.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 11, 2026, and will feature a captivating Masquerade theme.

Organized by the Daystar University Students’ Association (DUSA), the awards ceremony will recognize outstanding students and groups whose leadership, creativity, and service have made a significant impact on campus life.

The event will highlight achievements ranging from academic excellence to community engagement, reflecting Daystar’s core values of Excellence, Transformation, and Servant Leadership.

DUSA Secretary-General Jerry Amimo George Ambuche (JAGA) described the ceremony as more than an awards night, noting that it is designed to celebrate the talent and dedication within the Daystar community while encouraging students to participate fully in the themed experience.

Attendees can look forward to a vibrant masquerade atmosphere, red-carpet moments, live performances, and the excitement of seeing peers honored for their accomplishments. The mask-themed concept is expected to add a unique blend of mystery and elegance to the evening.

As anticipation continues to build, the Star of Excellence Awards is shaping up to be one of the semester’s standout events, bringing together recognition, creativity, and celebration in true Daystar fashion.

 

By Tracy Kavai,

Daystar University’s International Students Association (ISADU) is set to host the 16th Diplomatic Dinner on April 2, 2026, at the Trademark Hotel from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

The event is open to students, faculty, and staff, positioning it among the most anticipated gatherings on the university calendar.

Under the theme “Bridges of Humanity: Fostering Global Peace through Servant Leadership,” this year’s dinner aims to promote cultural engagement, meaningful dialogue, and the celebration of diversity. Attendees are encouraged to observe the elegant dress code of royal blue, black, and silver to match the sophistication of the evening.

Over the years, the Diplomatic Dinner has become a flagship event for Daystar’s international community, providing a platform for cross-cultural interaction, exchange of ideas, and relationship building beyond the classroom.

Organizers note that the event continues to reflect the university’s core values of Excellence, Transformation, and Servant Leadership while strengthening global awareness among students.

Registration is currently ongoing through ISADU’s official communication channels. The 16th Diplomatic Dinner is expected to deliver an evening of culture, dialogue, and celebration as Daystar continues to position itself as a hub of global unity.

By Tracy Kavai,

Daystar University is set to host a Financial Literacy Forum organized by the Daystar University Students Association (DUSA) on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. The event will take place at the Main Campus Amphitheatre from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Under the theme “Money, Freedom and Choices,” the forum will bring together experts from the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK), the National Treasury, and ICEA Lion Group. The session aims to equip students with practical knowledge on budgeting, saving, and investing, enabling them to make informed financial decisions in a dynamic economic environment.

DUSA Treasurer Purity Wangui, who signed the announcement, underscored the forum’s significance, noting that the initiative seeks to empower students with essential financial management skills alongside their academic training.

In addition to the learning sessions, participants will receive refreshments, free Red Bull cans, and transport for students traveling from the Valley Road campus. The event is supported by the School of Business & Economics, ICPAK, ICEA Lion, Red Bull, and Shelev X3.

The Financial Literacy Forum is expected to draw strong student participation as the university continues to promote financial awareness and responsible money management among learners.

 

By Tracy Kavai,

Daystar University has officially named the members of the Electoral Commission of Daystar (ECD) for the 2026/2027 academic year. The announcement was made on Wednesday, February 25, by Mr. Mutinda Musyimi, Dean of Students, following interviews held the previous day.

The commission will be led by Lucia Ambugo (Law) as Chairperson, with Antonio Ngunjiri (Law) as Vice-Chair. Laurah Nyangasi (Nursing) has been appointed Secretary, Michelle Pkosing (International Relations) will serve as Treasurer, and Benedict Mutuku (Law) takes up the role of Commissioner.

The appointments were endorsed by the Electoral Nomination Panel, which included Mr. Musyimi, Mr. Maurice Kioko (Registrar’s Representative), Ms. Tabitha Mutheu (Chaplain’s Representative), Mr. Lewis Sekento (DUSA President), and Ms. Maria Nadduli (DUSA Deputy President).

With student elections scheduled for April, the newly constituted commission is expected to oversee the process with integrity, ensuring fairness and transparency in line with Daystar’s values of Excellence, Transformation, and Servant Leadership.