Daystar University will continue with blended learning for August semester 2021 with some classes being administered face to face.
Through an internal memo sent to students on August 17, all law students except fourth year students, and nursing students will have physical classes. All certificate, first-year diploma, and undergraduate classes will be conducted physically.
Other courses, according to the memo will be administered online.
“Given the COVID 19 protocol expectations, we will continue with the blended learning mode in the August 2021 semester,” read the memo from the DVC-Academics Prof. Faith Nguru.
The Deputy President, Monicah Gitau, and the Secretary General, Paul Caleb alias Msando, are set to have a meeting with Prof. Nguru August 18. This is for further clarification on the matter.
All continuing Communication students will be taught online with an exception for those that need studios. The School of Human and Social Sciences will have online classes with repeated physical classes for practicals.
School of Science is set to continue with physical learning.
All postgraduate classes will be conducted online.
“Further details will be provided by the HODs and Deans of Schools regarding the exact courses that may require allowable alternative modes of blended teaching,” stated the memo.
All undergraduate evening classes will be conducted online as stated in an updated memo on August 18.
The University adopted the blended mode of learning last year August 2020. This was due to the restrictions and measurements put up by the government against Covid-19.
Physical orientation for new students is set to begin on 23 August, with classes set to begin a week later.
As students hope to resume physical classes, the August 2021 semester exams will be sat for physically.
Thumbnail Photo Courtesy of Instagram (dusacouncil_official).
The Daystar University Student Association Council members marked their 100 days in office on July 29. They have had their own share of challenges as they take up their mantle and honor their oath of office to serve the students.
Being the first government after four years, students say the council members have a lot to do to fill the gap left by their predecessors and restore the faith students had in DUSA. There have been mixed reactions from students regarding DUSA’s term in office -so far.
Former Daystar University Actuarial Science Association (DUASA) Secretary-General Martin Mutugi has questioned some of the offices while mentioning that only a few are actively functioning. He said:
“It is nice that we have a DUSA government, therefore students can be represented. However not all DUSA offices are being felt. ‘’
The financial year ended on July 31, which was the same day the 2021-2022 budget was to be released. According to the finance secretary Wambui Njoroge, a draft of the budget has been submitted to the finance manager’s office for approval.
“The budget is set to be read after the orientation period in August. The congress will receive official communication once the budget is approved but will not get to amend it,’’ said Wambui Njoroge. However, the DUSA constitution clearly stipulates that the budget is to be submitted to Congress for final approval.
The student government is however yet to be fully productive with students complaining of loopholes including those in the DUSA constitution.
The Athi river campus governor Walter Nalwa stated that the journey has not been easy as they are trying not to succumb to the pressure that comes with serving both students who are online and those who are having physical classes.
He went on to add that they are working to ensure that students’ matters are addressed accordingly.
“We not only want to serve the able students alone but also the needy students. DUSA is not a resistant movement […] but it is a champion for students’ interests in a diplomatic manner,” said Walter.
Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, the university is yet to have all students back in school physically, posing a challenge to the council members as they strive to ensure all students are heard and their matters looked into.
His colleague the Nairobi campus governor Brian Achoka popularly known as Zaza insisted that the two are working hand in hand to revive clubs and associations which fall under their docket.
“My colleague and I have managed to revive some clubs which include the Debate Club, Daystar University Peace and International Studies Student Association (DUPPISA), Daystar Model United Nations club (DMUN), and we are on the way to revive all of the clubs both in Nairobi and Athi River campus,’’ said Zaza.
DUSA Council Members during their swearing in ceremony.Photo Courtesy of Insatgram (daystar_uni).
The Council members work with a number of standing committees to serve the students and ensure all their grievances are met. Each committee has at least one council official in it, and serve the purpose of achieving the aims and objectives of the association. However, a source privy to the Involvement Newspaper reveals that a communication committee, which is tasked with running opinion polls on issues of interest to the Association is yet to be formed.
Students’ cries to have events restored have in a way been heard, having had the Daystar Talanta Event, which witnessed a mass turn up from the students, in the Athi River and Nairobi campuses on July 22 and 29 respectively.
“We are looking forward to having more events, more turn-ups and also support from the university administration as we engage in these activities and serve the students,” the Secretary-General Caleb Paul alias Msando said.
The ex-officio members of the student government; Daystar Christian Fellowship (DCF) chair Moses Wisdom and the Daystar Compassion and Care Centre (DCCC) president, Derrick Kamura commended the DUSA council members for what they have done so far. However, the two state that there is more that the council is yet to do.
The university’s attempt to incorporate the problem based learning has not been a ride in the park as Deputy President Monica Gitau says. She added that it has been a challenge for both students and lecturers.
“I raised the issue and wrote a letter to the DVC-Academics. The Problem Based Learning intentions is to make students know how to do researches and not being spoon-fed and not overburdening the students with assignments. We look forward to better problem-Based Learning where both students and especially the lecturers understand this concept,” [sic] said Monica Gitau.
The Involvement Newspaper has reached out to the DUSA President Marco Laboso who is yet to comment on the progress made by DUSA so far.
The Daystar University Congress held their first sitting on July 28, three months after their election into office. In unison, they have strived to build relationships among students, the administration and staff.
The Congress had six motions set. All committee chairpersons had a chance to present their reports to the house. They also addressed Daystar Installment Fee. This came about after grievances from students regarding their student portals being closed early hence making it hard for them to submit assignments, access class notes or hold forums. The congress advised that instead of closing portals, the school could let students do their exams and if their fee balance is not paid, they offered the solution of the student to get exempted from beginning a new semester. This would help students graduate on time, instead of having to redo the course again.
“The congress sitting was important because through the reports we got to see the work of the different committees,”said the Congress clerk Eunice Siameto.
It was sad to notice the communication committee was not represented. According to the DUSA constitution, this is the committee in charge of the association’s publications, developing and maintaining the association’s website, running opinion polls on issues of interests to the association, publicizing the activities of the association among others.
The audit committee presented the proposed budget by the treasurer but went ahead to state that they are yet to receive a printed version of the budget from the treasurer, Madam Wambui Njoroge.
The clubs and associations committee has worked hand in hand with Campus Governors in reviving the various clubs on both campuses. The clubs that they have managed to revive so far include: the debate club, Daystar University Peace and International Studies Students Association, Daystar Model United Nations club among others.
The events management committee have had their best foot forward having hosted the Daystar Talanta event in both campuses.
The Congress also debated on gaining support from the administration on student activities. This included monetary funds, getting access to school resources and overall recognition of student’s activities.
Congresswoman Daisy Rono, representing the school of arts and humanities, raised a grievance of miscommunication of funds allocated for student activities. Other school representatives too were concerned and felt that they were given a cold shoulder by the administration.
Inclusion of people with disabilities in the constitution was also discussed. They acknowledged and supported inclusion of mental health. They wished people with depression, anxiety, PTSD, should be acknowledged and given priority.
The Congress will have their next sitting is in October 1.
In a week packed with endless assignments and group problems to tackle as lecturers desperately honor their end of semester, last-minute-rush, tradition to complete their remaining course works, I wouldn’t miss Daystar Talanta for anything.
The amphitheater was prepped up for the event on July 22, and the podium beckoned for all who had been bitten by the showbiz bug to ascend it. Blue and yellow balloons adorned every pillar in the hall and some even made their way onto the stage where the stars would make their debuts.
The flowing black background gave the stage a dignified look as cobalt blue and golden ribbons clung to it like stars in the night sky. The perfect arena for the perfect night!
Sadly, the audience was a killjoy. I couldn’t help but pity the MCs who constantly screamed into their microphones to grab the stone crowd’s attention. Their reward was only one or two shouts from the female audience.
It took an eternity for the performances to start and when they did, my adrenaline flowed in jets. The audience must have been experiencing the same since their enthusiastic roars, coupled with the Afro-beat music, kept me from hearing my own shrill.
A dance group had slid its way into the stage and even my hard-to-impressed nature had to admit it was real talent. The next performance was spoken word which was performed in the most sophisticated voice my ears had ever had the pleasure of listening to. Unfortunately, I can’t remember the name of the piece but it touched my heartstrings so deeply I doubt I will sleep poorly again.
Only three performances stood out for me the most. The screams from the audience seemed to judge the performance long before the actual judges gave their take on the performance. It was obvious even to the dumbest fellow who would take the day and it was going to be a queen. The first one that impressed me was the dance crew led by the happy-footed chap whose alias is Patrobus. As I remarked earlier, that was real talent!
The second one was the spoken word by the lady of the sophisticated voice. As a future teacher of English, I was in utter disbelief. Such grammar and articulation obviously deserved a prize. The audience however willed it to someone else; which brings me to my third performance. Shirlene is her name. They went wild before she even set foot on the stage. Her melodious voice seemed to enchant them as they showered her with cheers and chanted her name. That damsel can sing!
The excitement reached a crescendo when controversial superstar, Eric Omondi, made a surprise appearance on the podium. His fashion style I will not discuss since I am a fashion illiterate. One daring damsel even took to the stage to ask for a selfie with him. Before the icon left, he played philanthropist and donated about 65,000 shillings to support two upcoming bands. One can only pray they grab the opportunity to reach the stars since fortune knocks once.
Deshcare International also got a presentation on stage and I must say I will join them for the sanitary pads drive at Kibera informal settlement in Nairobi this weekend. I can hardly wait! The next performances boasted male soloists singing to the tune of skilled guitarists. The refreshments arrived just as the clock struck 11 PM. After a few solo performances, Noah Distributors and Horis Delivery, two business start-ups by Daystar students, gave video presentations of their services and I must say, I was greatly intrigued to try them and promote homegrown businesses.
Time didn’t seem to matter anymore even as midnight approached. My mind was still unchanged though but the rest of the audience had made up their mind. I am sure the judges had too. The eye witness I had left behind to watch the event till its completion later informed me what i already knew. The last dance crew had floored the rest of their competition to bag 30,000 shillings. I do rather apologize to you, dear reader, for failing to mention the names of the lion-hearted youths that awed us with raw talent this evening. I was unfortunately forced into the back of the amphitheater where I could hardly hear those wielding the microphones.
I speak for the rest of the audience when I say ‘Daystar has talanta’.
Professor Laban Ayiro, the Vice-Chancellor of Daystar University delivered the first Inaugural lecture at Daystar University in Nairobi Campus on the afternoon of July 23. The title of the lecture was, ‘Mixed Methods Research: Myth or Reality?’
An inaugural lecture is a talk given by a full professor at a University; detailing his or her previous contribution to knowledge. The day began pompously with police band processions and distinguished guests seated at the auditorium.
Prof. Ayiro is a full professor of Research Methods who holds enormous academic qualifications including; Ph.D. in Business Management from Kenyatta University; a Masters of Science and Entrepreneurship Studies from Kenyatta University, a second Masters of Arts in International Relations in United States International University, a third Master’s in Education Finance, Economics and Planning from the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa. Lest forget, his first Bachelor’s Degree in Education for teaching Chemistry and Mathematics from McGill University, Canada.
Professor Laban Ayiro addressing guests in the auditorium, Nairobi Campus on Jul. 23, 2021. Photo Courtesy of Brenda Mulama
With over 40 years of teaching experience, he has virtually mentored over 1000 students from Universities across Africa, Asia, and Europe.
He gave a top-notch, innovative summary of his research findings and a deeply reflective, insightful contribution to knowledge in new and profound ways. At the onset of the lecture, Prof. Ayiro was given a standing ovation. His family members were present consisting of Lawyers, Teachers, and Doctors.
The VC highlighted the challenges of scholarly research in most African Universities that are; limited linkage between research and National Development (Public Policies), inadequate libraries, low demand for research and victimization of predatory journals (journals take long to be published).
He also acknowledged the advantages of being a part of the Daystar fraternity including a global access to the library. “The more I stay in Daystar, the more I feel that I have truly found the resting place where God wanted me to be,’’ he said in March 2019, when he was sworn in as the new Vice-Chancellor after serving two years in Moi University as Acting Vice-Chancellor.
In addition, he recognized efforts from countries like Senegal and Ethiopia in research and development.
Inaugural lectures first began in 1966 at Makerere University in Eastern Africa. The talks also provide a way forward concerning pressing academic, intellectual, scholarly, and societal dilemmas of the time.
Use the link below to access the Involvement Newspaper issue 240 which features a range of articles written by our writers to ensure that you stay informed on News within and outside Daystar.
The Vice-Chancellor Prof. Laban Ayiro announced during a chapel service at the main campus on Tuesday that all May semester exams will be done physically.
“Exams will be done physically on campus, to ensure the quality and the integrity of exams,” said Prof. Ayiro in an interview. “We are in the process of acquiring the needed software which will guarantee the sanctity of exams.”
The new directive will take effect from this semester where all students will be required to do their exams on campus. According to Prof. Ayiro, online instruction and learning will continue however final semester evaluations will from now on be done physically.
For international students who had traveled back home, a special provision has been set whereby, stringent arrangements will be made for them to have exams in their specific countries through the Kenyan missions.
“We will observe the (Covid-19) protocols. Students will come in shifts [and] the exams will be spread.” said Prof. Ayiro adding that Daystar is not constrained of space. All the rooms on both campuses, all the theatres including the amphitheater on the main campus, will be examination centers.
“I also want to remind my students and the community that, this is what is being done by all public universities. You cannot risk the integrity of exams,” continued Prof. Ayiro.
Complete studio at the Valley Road Campus. PHOTO/Eric Kadenge
This week saw studios at the Valley Road campus and Shine FM get filled with high-tech equipment, donated by the University of Northwestern- St Paul. The donations worth Ksh10million arrived at the Nairobi campus on Wednesday, and on Friday for Shine FM in Athi River.
Dean, School of Communication Prof. Levi Obonyo was present during the installation of the equipment at the Shine FM studios. Speaking to Involvement, the Dean said that the upgrade is a win for communication students since they will have a chance to interact with equipment that is “on a different level”.
“The only problem with this equipment now is that you might get stuck when you go out to the industry,” said Prof. Obonyo, adding that such gear is rare to find.
The Nairobi campus has five complete studios equipped with microphones, monitors, speakers and a digital console. Shine FM studios have been upgraded and fitted with high quality radio technology for better broadcasting.
The equipment was brought to the campuses by a team from Northwestern University, who set up the studios and trained staff on how to operate the gear. Director of Engineering Rod Thannum said that the donations were a good way of honoring the Lord and making the studios modern.
“Hopefully the students can get a great experience and when they go out to the market place, they’ll be trained on high-tech gear,” said Thannum.
University of Northwestern-St Paul is a private Christian university in Roseville, Minnesota. The institution owns a number of radio stations in the mid-west and Eastern United States, broadcasting listener-supported Christian music and teachings. Each year the university raises funds for mission projects such as the one in Daystar. “It’s the way that the listeners of Northwestern can bless other people throughout the world,” said Thannum.
According to Thannum, Daystar was listed as a beneficiary some years earlier but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the arrival of equipment. “After about a year and a half of cancelling flights, we are finally here,” said Thannum.
Media students are particularly excited about the new equipment whose arrival followed the completion of the new studios at the Valley Road Campus.
Studio technicians receive brief training on how to operate the new equipment. PHOTO/ Eric Kadenge
Mrs Jane Irungu dedicates the DUSA student council 2021-2022 to God. PHOTO| Daystar University
The newly elected council was on April 20 sworn in, to place them in the saddle of power, and usher in a new era for the student body.
Team forward, as it’s known, is tasked with leading the students’ association and ensure that the recently launched strategic plan positively impacts students. The Marco Laboso led team has big shoes to fill- it’s predecessor having successfully initiated a new dawn that brought with it Prof. Laban Ayiro. It is an undisputable fact that the team ascends to the helm of the association during a tough period of time, but with the right mindset and policies, can achieve great heights.
The president, Marco, assured students of his readiness to serve them, promising to do so diligently. This is vital for a university that has experienced a vacuum in student leadership, due to tensions, changes and a severe pandemic. As the students’ leader, he will oversee the day-to-day operations of the council, and represent the interests of the association at the senate.
Daystar is an institution anchored on a history of servant leadership- as the VC has continuously shown. Students should be at the center of this government. Top in the priority list should be to promote their spiritual, intellectual and physical growth through the power bestowed unto you by the congress. Instill a culture of unity among students, and come up with ways that will push them to achieve self- actualization.
Echoing novelist Ken Kesey, you don’t lead by telling people some place to go. You lead by going to that place and making a case.
The new government has to make a clean break with the past, and work on leaving a mark through good leadership and innovative ideas. We have an opportunity to craft a future of hope and progress. However, this will only be achieved through courageous leadership, and the ability to actualise new, bold ideas. As you take your seat on the high table, bring with you unique ideas and a sense of individuality to foster development agendas for the association.
Hivi leo katika makala ya Dau La Elimu na Frank Otieno kwenye runinga ya KTN, Naibu Chansela wa chuo kikuu cha Daystar,Profesa Laban Ayiro pamwe na Mhadhiri wa chuo kikuu cha Moi,Profesa Violet Naanyu na Profesa Lukoye Atwoli wa chuo kikuu cha Aga Khan walichangia pakubwa katika mjadala wa Elimu Ya Utatuzi Masuala (Problem based learning) na kusisitiza kuwa, mfumo huu wa elimu una faida nyingi sana katika maisha ya mwanafunzi.
Elimu ya utatuzi masuala ni mfumo wa elimu unaolenga kutengeneza binadamu anayeweza kutatua matatizo mbalimbali ya kijamii,anayeweza kujimudu maishani na mwenye maadlili yanayoweza kutegemewa nchini na ulimwenguni.
Profesa Laban Ayiro alisisitiza kuwa chuo kikuu cha Daystar kimeshachukua mkondo huu wa mafunzo na kusema,”Katika chuo cha Daystar Walimu huwa wanaenda madarasani ,wanawapa wanafunzi maswali na kuwaaacha wajadiliane na kutatua matatizo mbalimbali kisha kusahihisha matokeo yao kwani nia yetu ni kutoa wanafunzi walio kamili baada ya kumaliza masomo yao katika chuo kikuu cha Dasystar”.
Vilevile,wenza wake Profesa Ayiro walisisitiza kuwa,mfumo huu wa elimu unaweza kuwa wa manufaa zaidi japo walimu pamwe na serikali yetu ya Kenya itatilia mkazo na kuhakikisha kuwa mfumo huu wa elimu umetiliwa maanani na kila mwalimu kutumia mfumo huu kuwaelimisha wanafunzi vyuoni.
Aidha ,jopo hili la wataalam wa Elimu lilisisitiza kuwa,kuna haja kubwa sana ya walimu kunolewa zaidi na kufunzwa mfumo mpya wa elimu ili nao pia waweze kuwafunza wanafunzi vyuoni kwani walimu wa sasa walifunzwa mfumo tofauti wa enzi zao. Imekuwa changamoto kubwa sana kwa walimu hawa kuwafunza wanafunzi kutumia huu mfumo mpya wa elimu.Fauka ya hayo,Profesa Violet Naanyu alisisitiza kuwa elimu huwa ni safari kwani huwa kuna mwanzo na huwa kuna lengo kuu la mwanafunzi anaposoma na mwalimu anapofunza. Kwa hiyo,Violet alilonga kuwa kuna umuhimu wa walimu kuwa na ushirikiano na wanafunzi ili pamoja waweze kukamilisha ‘safari’ ya elimu aisee! Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa .
Kaditama,wataalam hawa walitoa maoni yao na kusema kuwa ,japo tunataka mfumo huu wa elimu kutufaidi ifaavyo, itabidi viongozi wa vyuo wafunzwe mbinu mpya ya uongozi. Viongozi wawe wanaokubali maendeleo na kuhakikisha kuwa maendeleo tofauti yanatekelezwa katika vyuo wanavyosimamia.
Wakufunzi nao wawe tayari kujadiliana na kukosoana na wanafunzi wasiwe na akili ya kufikiri kuwa ni wao pekee wanaojua yote. Wanafunzi pia walihimizwa kuwa na bidii za mchwa na wawe watu wa kutaka kujua mengi, wafanye utafiti na kutumia utafiti huo kutatua matatizo mbalimbali.
Kwa uhahika,mjadala huu ulikuwa na mafunzo chungu nzima na ni ombi langu kuwa wewe kama msomaji wangu utaweza kuyatilia maanani yaliyosemwa na wataalam na kuhakikisha kuwa, polepole na kwa uhakika unakubali mfumo mpya wa elimu kwani mfumo huu una manufaa kadha wa kadha.
