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Category: Campus News

  • Daystar Selected as ICGLR Research Institute of Reference

    By: Sumaya Hussein (husseinsumaya1@gmail.com)

    Thumbnail photo: CAS of ICT, Youth and Innovation Hon. Nadia Abdalla. Photo courtesy of Daystar University.

    Daystar University has been selected as the research institute of reference for the International Conference for the Great Lake Region (ICGLR).

    The office of the Vice-Chancellor and the Directorate of Research and Post-Graduate Studies will spearhead the initiative alongside the entire Daystar Fraternity. Owing to this, a multifunctional youth forum was held on Wednesday at the Nairobi Campus to deliberate on jumpstarting the process of developing the Regional Action Plan on United Nations Security Council Resolution. (UNSCR 2250).

    The Forum
    The forum was attended by the Speaker of the Senate, Hon. Ken Lusaka, CAS for ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs Hon. Nadia Abdalla, and the VC Prof. Laban Ayiro. Also present were Ambassadors and High commissioners as well as representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, United Nations (UN), youth-serving organizations, International Organizations, ICGLR Fora and Daystar fraternity.

    “We are honoured as Daystar that you chose to convene this very important youth forum in this University that has a serious intention in the area of research and is a university that is heavily built on values,” said Prof. Laban Ayiro. “Not just religious values, but the societal norms that this country is so much desiring for”.

    The UNSCR 2250 focuses on ways to give youth a greater voice in decision-making at the local, national, regional and international levels. The resolution defines youth as persons aged 18 to 29 and urges the Member States to set up mechanisms that will enable them to participate in peace processes and dispute resolution.

    “Despite the fact that the youth account for more than 70 per cent of the population, they are not involved in social, economic and political spheres,” said Speaker of the Senate, Hon. Ken Lusaka, during his speech at the forum. “If the youth are not engaged in the designing, planning and implementation of programs and policies that affect not only them but also the country at large, their knowledge skills and energy become underutilized”.

    Speaker of the Senate, Republic of Kenya, Hon. Ken Lusaka. Photo courtesy of Daystar University.

    The VC Prof. Laban Ayiro insisted that the destiny of the country is in the youth, hence the need to strengthen them. “We must increase young peoples’ economic framework. Strengthening youth service system is very important,” stated Prof. Ayiro

    ICGLR is an inter-governmental organization of the countries in the African Great Lakes Region, whose purpose is to promote sustainable peace and development in African countries. It has 12 core member states including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Sudan, South Sudan, Zambia, Angola, Burundi, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa Republic and the Republic of Congo.

  • VC Rewards Worship Team During Prayer Day

    By: Sumaya Hussein (husseinsumaya1@gmail.com)

    Thumbnail photo courtesy of Mercy Onditi

    The Vice-Chancellor Professor Laban Ayiro, has gifted members of the worship team Ksh1000 each for properly conducting the prayer day held on Thursday 21st January 2021, at the main campus.

    Members awarded include University Chaplain Reverend Steven Nduto, assistant Chaplains Josphat Musili and Pastor Rachel Ngugi, Eva Muholo chair of the worship team, music directors Mike Muchiri and Joel Mwendwa, choirmaster, the pianist Hesbon Orange, the bassist Grace Wangare, drummer Sidney Kamwana, Joel Mumo and June Mwangi.

    Bassist Grace Wangare playing the background music during the sermons. Photo courtesy of Mercy Onditi

    “I am very proud of you and I’m not exaggerating that, but I am particularly proud of Grace because I have never seen a lady playing a guitar here,” said Prof Ayiro. He went on to call the members on to the stage to “bless them” and give them “something small so they can buy simsim”. “I don’t know whether there is simsim here, if the simsim is a sausage that’s up to you, if it is chips…” he said before handing each of the members on stage the shinning notes. Still, in his spirit of appreciation, the VC added that the Chaplaincy team should take a trip to visit Israel on a pilgrimage.

    Prof. Laban Ayiro handing out rewards to the worship team. Photo courtesy of Mercy Onditi.

    University Chaplain, Reverend Steven Nduto, thanked the VC on behalf of the worship team, for awarding them. “I want to thank you again for the simsim, on behalf of everybody else who received that, we want to say thank you for that consideration and we pray it continues like that,” said Rev. Nduto cheerfully, “And also thank you for promising that the Chaplains need to go to Israel, we’ll be watching that space graciously,” he added.

    VC Prof Laban Ayiro and University Founder Dr Don Smith. Photo courtesy of Mercy Onditi,

    The prayer day was held at Amphitheatre and streamed online on the Daystar University Live YouTube channel, with the theme being “Turning to God”. The ceremony was attended by the University founder Dr Don Smith, both DVCs Prof. Faith Nguru and Dr Muturi Wachira, Finance manager Phyllis Mutua, HR Manager Pius Muia together with other members of the faculty, staff and students.

    Students bowing their heads in prayer. Photo courtesy of Mercy Onditi

    The prayer day was closed with the assistant Chaplain Josphat Musili leading the school into taking the Holy Communion and the University founder Dr Don Smith, praying for the entire institution.

    Assistant Chaplain, Josphat Musili leads the University in prayers. Photo courtesy of Mercy Onditi.

  • DUSA President Eyes Nairobi Governor Seat

    By: Sumaya Hussein (husseinsumaya1@gmail.com)

    Thumbnail photo courtesy of Aloys Otieno

    The incumbent Daystar University Students’ Association (DUSA) President, Aloys Lavern Otieno, is vying for the Nairobi governor seat on an independent ticket.

    Following the impeachment of Mike Sonko, the DUSA president states that there wasn’t a better candidate among the contesters, hence the decision to vie for the seat. “I made that choice, consulted one or two friends and before I even told my family, I went to get the nomination papers,” said Aloys.

    Mr Otieno has served as Daystar President since 2017, after developing interest in politics in 2016 when he was a member of another candidate’s campaign team. Still a master’s student, he says he does not feel as if he is taking a huge leap by vying for county governorship despite being referred to naïve. “It was the same thing (in Daystar), I wasn’t the most popular candidate when I first vied for the (presidency) seat. A lot of people actually advised me to go for a lower position like sports secretary, but I chose to go for the presidency and I won,” said Aloys.

    He went on to add that he is merely chasing his dreams and there will be no loss whether or not he wins. “I think I would have gained so many lessons that I can take with me towards whatever position I choose to go for next,” added Aloys.

    Aloys Lavern during his graduation in 2020. Photo courtesy of Aloys Otieno.

    With a strong team of youth backing him including Daystarians, Aloys mentioned that he is vying for the seat for the greater good of the county. Being a Nairobian, he says he has seen what the city is lacking and what it can “gain by having a great and a competent leader“.

    His symbol is the Wi-Fi symbol that resonates well with today’s generation and, according to him, the Wi-Fi bars signify progress, which has been his hashtag ever since he joined politics. Moreover, after serving in the ODM youth league for about three years, he has built a network of young leaders around Nairobi who will help with his campaign.

    Aloys’ manifesto comprises of four major things which are: waste management, promoting youth and women enterprises, education empowerment and, women and girl empowerment through providing free sanitary pads. To the surprise of many, Aloys says he is not at all intimidated by the other candidates competing for the same seat. “That’s the beauty of being an underdog, the pressure is not on you, it’s on the other candidates,” he said confidently, “I feel no pressure at all,”.

    Aloys says he is grateful for the support the school has given him, with the VC and lecturers reaching out to him and advising him. “The Vice-Chancellor has been a mentor in leadership ever since he took over Daystar, so, he is one person whom I know I can look to for help,” he said. Vice-Chancellor Professor Laban Ayiro had expressed his support for Aloys during the Parents’ welcome tea on orientation week, saying he made him “very proud” and he was “pleasantly shocked” when he heard the news.

    Current Daystar President, Aloys Lavern Otieno. Photo courtesy of Aloys Otieno.

    Jonah Karanja, the Daystar outgoing social welfare secretary, says Aloys’ decision to vie poses a challenge to the youth “to take power from the older generation.” “Aloys going for the gubernatorial seat will mean so many youths will start vying for various positions across the government,” he said, “So, I fully endorse him and call upon my fellow leaders and youths across the country and Nairobi to come out and support Aloys and challenge the system,” added Karanja.

    After serving as school President for three years, Aloys says one thing Daystar has taught him is servant leadership. This, he says, reminds him that however much power he has, his main agenda will always be to serve.

  • Daystar Ramps Up Covid Protocols Ahead of Physical classes

    By: Sumaya Hussein (husseinsumaya1@gmail.com)


    Daystar University campuses have improved on Covid-19 protocols previously set up in the school, in preparation for physical classes of the January 2021 semester.


    Measures taken include setting up isolation rooms in both campuses, remarking classrooms and public places for social distancing, setting up temperature checks, handwashing and sanitization stations.

    Handwashing stations at Athi River Campus. Photo courtesy of Emmanuel Laguma.

    “We have isolation rooms in both campuses and we have doctors and medical personnel. We are ready and prepared, and we have done our best as a University,” said Pius Muia, Senior Human Resource Manager.


    Masks will also be provided in the campuses for those unable to obtain. With the protocols in place, the main campus in Athi River can accommodate 1,500 students while the Valley Road campus can take 600 students.


    “We had many of them saying the preferred face to face, and we wondered about the reasons and we agreed on who will be face to face,” said Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof. Faith Nguru, during the freshmen parents’ welcome on Monday.

    Social distancing in lecture rooms. Photo courtesy of Emmanuel Laguma.

    Currently, the University is offering blended learning whereby both physical and online classes will be ongoing. A survey that was conducted by the school revealed that more students preferred face to face learning over online learning.

    Students from the school of communication can also make arrangements in groups to use the studios in the campuses. Those undertaking online classes have the privilege of choosing their units from both the Athi River and Nairobi campuses, which include day and evening classes.

    Sanitizer station in Athi River campus. Photo courtesy of Emmanuel Laguma.

    Students set to resume for physical classes this January include those taking nursing and science-based courses. The rest will study online but have access to the facilities in both campuses such as the libraries and labs.


    Both physical and online classes are set to begin on January 11, 2021. Orientation of new students was conducted physically with strict adherence to COVID-19 guidelines.

  • January 2021 Freshmen Matriculated into Daystar University

    By: Sumaya Hussein (husseinsumaya1@gmail.com)

    Thumbnail photo courtesy of Moses Wafula


    Freshmen of January 2021 semester were officially matriculated into the University on Wednesday, in a ceremony held at the Daystar main campus in Athi River. The matriculation ceremony signifies the formal entry of freshmen into the University by taking a matriculation oath.

    Those in attendance during the Matriculation ceremony were the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Laban Ayiro, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Affairs and Research, Prof. Faith Nguru, as well as other members of the faculties and staff.

    Freshmen taking the matriculation pledge. Photo courtesy of Moses Wafula

    The VC and DVC led the freshmen into taking the pledge, thereby officially admitting them as students of Daystar University.
    “With the authority given to me by the University Council, I hereby admit you to pursue the courses in the discipline of your calling,” said the VC Prof Ayiro.
    “This (oath) will initiate you to formally become a student of this great University, and doing so also comes with a number of responsibilities, the most important being your obligation to contribute for the realization of the University’s mission and vision, as well as your own mission and vision,” said DVC Prof. Nguru to the freshmen.

    This semester’s freshmen will be among the first to experience a different learning approach that is problem-based and collaborative learning. The new teaching method introduced by the VC Prof. Ayiro, aims to produce students who are problem solvers. “The Daystar you are coming into is a Daystar that aspires to teach the way Harvard, Stanford and Oxford University teaches,” said Prof Ayiro during the matriculation ceremony.

    Photo courtesy of Moses Wafula.

    Currently, the University is offering blended learning whereby classes are partly physical and partly online. Covid-19 protocols have been ramped up in both campuses ahead of physical classes and include handwashing and sanitization points, isolation rooms and social-distance markings in classrooms and public places.

  • Daystar Introduces Problem-Based Learning

    By: Sumaya Hussein (husseinsumaya1@gmail.com)

    Thumbnail photo courtesy of Moses Wafula


    Daystar University has changed its learning system to a problem-based and collaborative learning approach, beginning with the first and second years this January 2021 semester.
    Problem-based learning (PBL) is a student-centred approach in which students learn about a subject by working in groups to solve an open-ended problem.


    Speaking during the Parents’ Welcome on Monday’s orientation, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Laban Ayiro, called for students to “enhance the intellectual rigour of the university”.
    “We have decided in management, and we are taking this to the senate, that we are overhauling the way we teach completely,” said Prof Ayiro.
    The VC argued that the University cannot continue teaching students the same way it did thirty years ago. He added that the goal is to make students “have the ability to learn and relearn constantly.”

    Vice-Chancellor, Professor Laban Ayiro, during his presentation at the Parent’s Welcome. Photo courtesy of Moses Wafula.


    Problem-based learning includes self-directed learning strategies and team participation that will allow students to be more active in learning processes. Students will engage in collaborative learning and turn out to be more skilled, competent and have a competitive edge.


    “This is an ideal Ayiro is prepared to die for,” said the VC. “It must happen. If there’s something I’m going to leave behind in Daystar, is that we are going to produce students who are problem solvers.”


    In the new learning approach, students will be able to acquire 70% of their grade during the semester and therefore, the tension of final examinations will no longer exist.
    Prof Ayiro, who was a former Vice-Chancellor in Moi University, acknowledged that Problem-based learning was adopted in its school of Medicine, which saw their doctors stand out today.


    The VC added that Daystar will no longer be a passive institution whereby students come for lectures, write notes and go. Rather, they will be engaged with their faculties in case studies, debates, discussions and models. Students will also pursue solutions to authentic problems by asking and refining questions.

    Parents, staff and freshmen observing social distancing during the Welcome. Photo courtesy of Moses Wafula.

    “I want my students to debate ideas, to make predictions, to design plans and experiments, to collect and analyze data, to draw conclusions, to communicate ideas and findings, and ask questions, and above all create products,” said the VC.

  • Daystar to Retain Online Classes in January 2021

    By: Sumaya Hussein (husseinsumaya1@gmail.com)

    Thumbnail photo courtesy of Daystar University

    Daystar University will continue administering classes online, as a few physical classes will be taking place in the campuses come January 2021.

    In an email sent to the school on Monday, only nursing students, science students and those admitted during the October 2020 physical semester will start face to face learning in January 2021.

    Other courses, according to the email, are to continue with online learning.

    “Save for the programs outlined above, all other undergraduate, certificate and Diploma students will remain online,” read the email.

    All continuing postgraduate students taking PGDE, Master’s and PhD programmes, as well as new postgraduate students from October 2020 and January 2021, will study online as well.

    Students to start physical classes in January include; all nursing students admitted in 2020 and January 2021, all undergraduate students admitted to the October 2020 physical semester, all law students admitted in August 2020 and January 2021, will have physical classes at the Athi River Campus.

    Photo courtesy of Laguma

    For continuing students, all nursing students admitted in 2018 and 2019 will continue with their clinical placements. All Upgrade Nursing students admitted in 2020 and 2021, will have physical theory classes at the Nairobi campus.

    All students taking Biomedical Science, Environmental Heath, Actuarial Science, Applied Computer Science and Bachelor of Education Science (B.Ed Science), will have physical classes at the Athi River campus.

    The 15% fee discount previously offered for online classes has been discontinued due to the government suspension of all tax waivers.

    Physical orientation for new students is set to begin on January 4, 2021.

    The University Portal will be opened for registration of courses on January 4, 2021 once the timetable has been released. Both physical and online classes will begin on January 11, 2021.

  • THE GENERATIONAL EXPOSURE TO THE WINDS OF CHANGE

    By Laura Natasha (lauranatasha161526@daystar.ac.ke)

    To imagine a generational diversity that Africa has embarked on, this is one of the greatest mile stones in establishing a proper middle ground for nurturing the interaction environment based on the Old- New generation. Imagining a world where building bridges has been made possible in recent generational Clash. Despite the continuous use of media every generational group has not gone unnoticed.

    As a 22-year-old, John Ndung’u who is a motor sales advisor has a brilliant social life with his uncle Christopher Karanja a 63-year-old famer who is not rigid enough not to stand anyone younger than him. However, the fine-tuned relationship he’s been having with his nephew was not born out of respect but out of the generational understanding.

    The age difference between the two has raised questions around their neighbourhood. The free spirited family are fully engaged in each other’s lives. After the death of John’s parents, Christopher who is still a bachelor and the state of environment he grew up in changed when he adopted John as his son.

    “At first, I did not understand his needs, and with the emergence of technology I could tell that my world view was about to change,”

    “When John turned sixteen years Old, arguments increased, I became less and less interested with the role of being a father,” Christopher timidly speaks.
    The intergenerational clash lessened when he understood his character was different from his nephew’s from how both of them thought about certain things in life.

    Generational differences regarding attitudes, work behaviour and life choices are signs of diverse economic trends. The context for the younger generations is very different than that of their parents or grandparents.

    The future of the generations.

    The culture that has been implied to different generations has led to the clash between the generations, some which is founded on stereotypic ideologies. The differences that do exist between any generations should be treated as problem that has led to segregation.

    “When generational attitudes run apart, different life experiences are inculcated based on their principles and moral understanding of life, we need to build bridges from this ideologies,” Jane Mucau a psychologist-cum-parent said.

    Recognizing the value all generations is very critical. Each generation can learn from each other on interests such as institutional knowledge and experience, thus creating leverage of the diverse never ending skillset and experience that will drive innovation.

    The pace of innovation and disruption will only intensify in the years to come. The changes will be based on how each generation works, but the values underlying quality work will not.

    Building a strong relationship between the generations, one based on respect and dialogue, will allow people to steer through the winds of change while remaining rooted in understanding each other’s value and philosophy in life.

    “Unity is Key in establishing a middle ground in the intergenerational crisis. A path of self-discovery, understanding and tolerance will make a difference between every generation,” Christopher Karanja said.

  • Photo Story: CBMC African Convention

    Find the link for the CMBC African Convention article Here.

    Photos by: Joseph Gichari

    Josephndungo55@gmail.com

  • ROGERS: UNDERPROMISE AND OVERDELIVER.

    By
    Aaron Kituku
    (kaykituku@gmail.com)

    Daystar University has today held a career talk on ethical business practices in the market place. The event hosted delegates from connecting business and market place to Christ (CBMC) on what was termed as a pre-convention on the African chapter.

    The ICT theatre at the main campus was packed with curious students and staff members ready for insights about the business world, and where the latter meets Christianity and ethics. Godwin Roger, a political science graduate and a serial entrepreneur from the United States of America was the keynote speaker.

    “You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do […] People that say ‘No’ are focused people,” Rogers said as he emphasized the need to finding your passion, talents, and gifts as you venture into business.

    Further, he emphasized that Self-awareness, Investing in knowledge, taking action, developing skills and cultivating good habits are imperative traits that individuals need to develop to stay atop the business ladder.

    “Build relationships, people are not a transaction, people are people.” Rogers clarified. Being in business for the last 20 years, this serial investor admitted to having had zero budgets on marketing. His secret, he said, was building and maintaining good relationships with people.

    “I have never failed my entire life […] failure happens when you stop moving forward.” Said Rogers in response to a question from one of the audiences about handling failure. Setting your priorities right – God, Family, Job/Business, Ministry and Fun was, according to Rogers, the recipe to a balanced.

    “Pick whoever you want to work with… and don’t discount your value.” Said Rogers in his parting shot.

    For information, click here