Category: News

  • GLAMOUR AND MYSTERY AWAIT AT DAYSTAR’S STAR OF EXCELLENCE AWARDS

    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.

     

  • DAYSTAR’S INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION TO HOST 16TH DIPLOMATIC DINNER

    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.

  • DAYSTAR STUDENTS SET FOR FINANCIAL LITERACY FORUM

    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.

     

  • DAYSTAR UNIVERSITY DEAN OF STUDENTS ANNOUNCES ELECTORAL COMMISSION

    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.

  • DUSA TO HOLD SECURITY FORUM AMID RISING OFF-CAMPUS CONCERNS

    By Tracy Kavai,

    Athi River, Machakos – February 13, 2026

    In response to a recent wave of off-campus attacks, the Daystar University Students Association (DUSA) is taking decisive steps to safeguard student welfare. DUSA has scheduled a Baraza forum on February 18 at Rawa Grounds, Athi River, providing students with a platform to raise concerns on security, accommodation, and other off-campus issues directly to authorities and local stakeholders.

    The forum is being organized in partnership with Athi River security teams, NACADA, the Tanui Foundation, and JAGA Law. Organizers confirmed that an official follow-up team will be established to implement recommendations arising from the meeting.

    DUSA Secretary General Jerry Amimo George Ambuche, CPM, described the Baraza as a crucial step toward enhancing student welfare and fostering stronger collaboration between the university, students, and local authorities. He urged all students planning to attend to RSVP by February 16, 2026, to aid in logistical planning. Refreshments will be provided during the event.

    The forum comes amid heightened concerns from students living off-campus, who have reported insecurity and inadequate housing conditions following a series of robberies and thefts near the Athi River Main Campus. In previous communications, university management, DUSA, and local security agencies warned students to exercise caution and issued safety advisories, emphasizing the shared responsibility of maintaining security.

    Organizers of the upcoming Baraza emphasized that the forum will ensure inclusive representation, giving students a voice in discussions with security officials and other relevant stakeholders. The initiative aims to address lingering safety concerns, strengthen trust between students.

     

  • DAYSTAR VC PROF. LABAN AYIRO INVITES UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY TO JOIN L.A.P RUN HALF-MARATHON

    By Tracy Kavai,

    Daystar University Vice Chancellor Prof. Laban P. Ayiro has officially invited students, staff, and faculty to participate in the upcoming L.A.P Run (Laban Ayiro Peter Run) Half-Marathon, marking a major boost for what is already shaping up to be a historic student-led initiative.

    In a memo dated February 11, 2026, Prof. Ayiro described the March 7 race as more than a sporting event, calling it “wellness in motion” and “unity in action.” He emphasized that the marathon is a celebration of the university’s shared identity and collective spirit, urging the entire Daystar community to run, sponsor, mobilize departments, or cheer participants along the route.

    The Vice Chancellor’s endorsement comes as Daystar prepares for the inaugural L.A.P Half-Marathon, a landmark initiative spearheaded by the Office of the DUSA President in collaboration with the entire student leadership. Scheduled for 7th March 2026, the race is expected to mark the beginning of what leaders envision as a lasting university tradition rooted in service, unity, and impact.

    Named in honor of Prof. Ayiro, the half-marathon is designed as an annual charity fundraiser aimed at strengthening sustainable support systems within the university community. The Vice Chancellor is widely recognized for his philanthropic leadership, making the initiative both symbolic and purposeful.

    According to DUSA President Lewis S. Sekento, the event represents far more than a sporting competition. He described the L.A.P Run as a bold new chapter of impact fueled by the dedication of students both national and international alongside management, alumni, faculty, staff, and Kenyan citizens at large. Emphasizing its spiritual foundation, Sekento noted that the initiative is anchored in faith and unity, calling on the Daystar family to rise together on March 7.

    Funds raised from the marathon will be directed toward the establishment of three critical support funds: the Disability Support Fund, aimed at enhancing inclusivity and accessibility for students living with disabilities; the International Students Social Welfare Fund, designed to support international students as they adjust to academic and social life away from home; and the DUSA Scholarship Fund, which will assist deserving students facing financial challenges.

    The race will begin at the Valley Road Campus and conclude at Uhuru Park in Nairobi, with participants choosing between the 5km, 10km, and 21km categories. Registration is ongoing, and students have been encouraged to extend invitations to parents, guardians, alumni, and friends, reinforcing the vision of a united Daystar family rallying behind a shared cause.

    As preparations gather momentum, the L.A.P Half-Marathon is increasingly being viewed as a defining moment for Daystar University a visible expression of servant leadership, compassion, and collective responsibility in action.

  • DAYSTAR STUDENTS UNITE FOR JUSTICE IN PRISON OUTREACH INITIATIVE

    By Tracy Kavai

    Athi River, Machakos County, Kenya – February 12, 2026. Daystar University students are stepping beyond the classroom to champion justice, dignity, and human rights through a transformative prison outreach program targeting Murang’a Men’s and Women’s Correctional Facilities.

    Dubbed the Chapo na Law Prison Outreach Initiative,” the campaign is spearheaded by the Daystar Legal Aid Society (DLAS) in partnership with Strathmore University. The initiative seeks to expand access to justice for incarcerated individuals while restoring hope and humanity through legal empowerment, fellowship, and practical support.

    Scheduled for February 21, 2026, the outreach will bring together law students and volunteers to conduct legal triage sessions, offer legal awareness education, and engage inmates in open forums designed to address concerns surrounding case follow-ups, sentencing, and legal representation. Organizers say the goal is not only to provide information but also to bridge the justice gap that many inmates face due to limited access to legal services.

    Beyond legal assistance, students will participate in shared cooking and fellowship activities — symbolizing solidarity and breaking down social barriers that often isolate incarcerated individuals from society. Essential supplies, including sanitary pads, toiletries, soap, diapers, and milk, will also be distributed to inmates, particularly supporting women and children living with their mothers within correctional facilities.

    “The best way to predict the future is by creating it,” reads the initiative’s rallying call, capturing the spirit of proactive justice and student-led change. Organizers say the phrase reflects their belief that young leaders must actively shape a more equitable legal system rather than wait for reform.

    Donation collection points are set to open across campus next week to mobilize contributions in kind, while financial support is being channeled through M-Pesa Paybill services to facilitate logistics, transportation, and procurement of supplies.

    Jerry Amimo George Ambuche (JAGA), DUSA Secretary-General, emphasized that the initiative embodies Daystar University’s commitment to servant leadership and justice-centered advocacy. “This is more than charity; it is a statement that dignity belongs to everyone, regardless of circumstance,” he said. He added that the outreach reflects a generation of students determined to combine academic knowledge with practical community impact.

    The “Chapo na Law” initiative marks a significant milestone in student-driven activism at Daystar University, blending legal aid, compassion, and civic responsibility. For many involved, the outreach serves as a powerful reminder that the pursuit of justice extends far beyond courtroom walls, reaching into communities often forgotten and reaffirming the fundamental principle that every individual deserves fairness, dignity, and hope.

  • DAYSTAR MAIN CAMPUS ENFORCES CURFEW, TIGHTENS SECURITY AFTER OFF-CAMPUS ATTACKS

    By Tracy Kavai,

    Athi River, Machakos County -February 7, 2026.Daystar University has announced fresh security measures at its Main Campus in Athi River following a wave of violent robberies and thefts that recently targeted students living off-campus.

    In a memo issued on February 7, 2026, Main Campus Governor Churchil Brightone Ooko confirmed that the campus-wide curfew remains in force until further notice. He added that liquor consumption cases will now be escalated to the National Liquor Board, while all Boda Boda riders operating within and around the Athi River campus will undergo mandatory identification and vetting to curb criminal infiltration.

    “Your security starts with you. Stay safe, stay indoors, and report any unusual activities to the DUSA Council for immediate action,” Governor Ooko urged in his statement.

    The heightened measures follow a disturbing series of attacks that occurred on Wednesday evening, February 4, 2026, in areas surrounding the Athi River Main Campus, where several students were robbed of laptops, mobile phones, and personal documents. Some victims sustained serious injuries, sparking widespread concern across the Daystar University community.

    Earlier, on February 5, 2026, the University’s Acting Security Coordinator, Ms. Regina Sururu, issued a Security Advisory cautioning students against moving between hostels and off-campus residences between 8:00 PM and 5:00 AM. The advisory emphasized heightened vigilance, intensified patrols, and the use of emergency hotlines, stressing that “security is a shared responsibility.”

    On February 6, 2026, the Daystar University Students Association (DUSA) released a memorandum through Secretary General Jerry Amimo George Ambuche, expressing regret over the incidents and extending heartfelt apologies to the affected students and their families. The statement assured students that DUSA was working closely with the Athi River Sub-County Security Committee and the Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) to enhance patrols, share intelligence, and fast-track investigations. Counseling services were also made available at the Hope Centre for students affected by the attacks.

    The three communications from the Security Department, the DUSA Council, and the Main Campus Governor’s Office reflect a coordinated effort by university management, student leadership, and local security agencies to restore calm and reassure the Daystar community. As investigations continue, students have been urged to remain vigilant and cooperative as authorities work to address the current wave of insecurity.

  • DUSA LAUNCHES L.A.P HALF-MARATHON TO DRIVE INCLUSION, WELFARE AND SCHOLARSHIPS AT DAYSTAR UNIVERSITY

    By Tracy Kavai

    Machakos, Kenya -9 February 2026.Daystar University is set to make history with the launch of the L.A.P Half-Marathon, a landmark student-led initiative spearheaded by the Office of the DUSA President in collaboration with the entire student leadership. Scheduled for 7th March 2026, the inaugural race marks the beginning of what student leaders hope will become a lasting Daystar tradition rooted in service, unity, and impact.

    Named in honor of the university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Laban Ayiro, the L.A.P Half-Marathon is envisioned as an annual charity fundraiser aimed at strengthening sustainable support systems within the university community. Prof. Ayiro is widely recognized as “one of the most philanthropic figures we have in our university,” making the initiative both symbolic and purposeful.

    According to DUSA President Lewis S. Sekento, the half-marathon represents more than a sporting event. “This half-marathon, L.A.P Run, marks a bold new chapter of impact, fueled by the dedication of students (National/International), management, alumni, faculty, staff and Kenyan citizens at large,” he said. Emphasizing the spiritual foundation of the initiative, Sekento added, “Anchored in faith, on March 7th, we rise laced up. See you at the L.A.P half-marathon!

    Funds raised from the marathon will be directed toward the establishment of three critical support funds: the Disability Support Fund, aimed at enhancing inclusivity and access for students living with disabilities; the International Students Social Welfare Fund, designed to support international students as they adjust to academic and social life away from home; and the DUSA Scholarship Fund, which will assist deserving students facing financial challenges.

    All Daystarians are encouraged to participate in the event, with registration tickets available online. Students have also been urged to extend the invitation to parents, guardians, alumni, and friends, reinforcing the idea of a united Daystar family rallying behind a shared vision.

    As preparations for the inaugural run gather momentum, the student leadership has expressed confidence that the L.A.P Half-Marathon will stand as a powerful symbol of servant leadership in action. In the words of the DUSA President, the community now moves forward “in service and unity,” taking a collective step toward a more inclusive and compassionate future for all Daystarians.

     

  • FROM INTERNAL GRANT TO UK AWARD: DAYSTAR’S HARRIET MWANGO SECURES GLOBAL RECOGNITION

    By Tracy Kavai

    Machakos, Kenya — 4 February 2026.Daystar University has marked a significant milestone in research and innovation following the achievement of Ms. Harriet Mwango, a faculty member in the School of Science, Engineering and Health, whose work has advanced from institutional support to international recognition.

    In 2025, Mwango received an internal research grant from Daystar University through the Directorate of Research, Innovation, Commercialization, and Entrepreneurship (DRICE). The funding enabled her to develop and validate her idea, moving it from proof of concept to a solution with clear commercial and social relevance.

    Building on this foundation, her work has now earned global recognition after securing a competitive external award under the AI Challenge Program 2025. The program is sponsored by the UK Government’s Digital Access Programme (UK DAP) and implemented in Kenya by KICTANet. Through the award, Mwango secured KES 2 million in funding for her project, “AI for Financial Inclusion in Rural Kenya”, with implementation running through March 2026.

    The project leverages artificial intelligence to address barriers to access to financial services in underserved rural communities. By applying AI-driven solutions, the initiative seeks to enhance financial inclusion, expand economic participation, and promote empowerment among populations that remain largely excluded from the formal financial system.

    Mwango’s success strongly validates Daystar University’s Research, Innovation, Commercialization, and Entrepreneurship (RICE) framework, which is designed to nurture ideas from early-stage research to market-ready solutions. Her transition from an internal university grant to an internationally funded award demonstrates the impact of strategic institutional investment in innovation and its ability to attract external confidence.

    Beyond individual achievement, the award positions Daystar University as a credible hub for research excellence, innovation, and global collaboration. The university has hailed Mwango’s journey as an inspiration to students and researchers seeking to transform locally nurtured ideas into impactful solutions with global relevance.

    Daystar University’s faculty member and researcher Ms. Harriet Mwango, recipient of a KES 2 million UK-supported grant for an AI-driven financial inclusion project.