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  • Daystar Launches School Anthem and Flag

    By Fatiha Shabir

    (fatihashabz@gmail.com)

    Daystar Music students singing the School Anthem for the first time during its launch at the main campus in Athi River – Edna Dushime

    Daystar University on Thursday launched the School Anthem and School Flag at a joint launch event held at the main campus in Athi River.

    The event was attended by the university founder Dr. Donald Smith, Vice Chancellor Prof Laban Ayiro, DVC ARSA Prof. Faith Nguru, members of the Board, Senate, faculty, students and staff.

    The Dean of the School of Communication, Prof. Levi Obonyo, introduced the School Anthem saying it embodies the themes of love, unity, peace, liberty and servant leadership.

    “The importance of the anthem really struck me recently when I visited other universities and seeing the entire community rallying together in the words of the anthem that stirred their spirits as they moved forth to pursue the purpose of the university,” said Prof Levi Obonyo.

    The words of the anthem were put together by the Department of Language and Performing Arts, together with Dr. Evelyn Ogari. The Anthem was performed for the first time during the launch event by the Daystar Music students.

    The University flag which was unveiled by the Corporate Affairs department, features the Daystar Coat of Arms (Crest) which is second to the logo. The star symbol was conceptualized by the founders Dr. Donald Smith and his wife, Mrs. Faye Smith, to signify beginning.

    “The flag fortifies the aspirations of the founders of this university. We are fortifying the existence of this institution by having this flag,” Prof Laban Ayiro stated. “Daystar is now pronouncing itself and Daystar plans to remain standing.”

    Official Daystar University Flag unveiled to the school during the joint launch event – Edna Dushime

    The flag will be compulsory and every Daystar Vehicle will have a sticker of the flag. The sports team will also get one they will carry when they go out to sports events.

    The university has also produced a variety of corporate merchandise items which “carry the spirit of the flag and Anthem.” They include T-shirts, bandannas, capes, ties and keyholders.

    Students and staff are encouraged to purchase the merchandise, wear them and embrace the Daystar spirit.

  • Inside Daystar University’s Strategic Plan

    by Sumaya Hussein

    (husseinsumaya1@gmail.com)

    Daystar University’s August 2020-July 2025 Strategic Plan launched at the main campus in Athi River – Edna Dushime

    Daystar University on Thursday launched a redefined Strategic Plan that includes the university’s goals and vision for the next five years.

    The August 2020 to July 2025 Strategic Plan was unveiled in a joint launch event held at the Athi River campus, where the school flag, anthem, new gym and apiary were also launched.

    The process of the strategic plan was a result of self-examination and engagement with stakeholders who were involved to challenge the status quo to accommodate the new way of life brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

    By 2025, the University plans to double its research output, strengthen the quality of programs offered and sustain entrepreneurial culture to diversify sources of income for the university.

    The plan also intends to exhibit prudent financial management and stabilize the financial viability of the university. It also includes expansion of the institution’s national and international presence through alliances, as well as fostering an organizational culture that nurtures the next generation of leadership.

    “We are asking our trustees, the company, the council, the management and the Daystar community to embrace this document, and we shall have a special team to see to its implementation,” said Prof. Laban Ayiro after the official unveiling of the Strategic Plan.

    DVC ARSA, Prof. Faith Nguru mentioned that the plan is a faith-based plan that will help to “see and to be sure of what we hope for and to be certain of what we do not see.”

    VC Prof. Laban Ayiro and DVC Prof. Faith Nguru unveiling the August 2020- July 2025 Strategic Plan – Edna Dushime

    The university has already began implementing the strategic plan through activities such as construction of the perimeter wall in the Athi River campus, beautification of both campuses and building and equipping the communication studios.

    Other activities include refurbishment of the school gym, commissioning of the school apiary and introduction of an automated and integrated ERP system for efficient service delivery.

    The university is also planning to switch to solar energy to save on electricity bills and become involved in environmental conservation.

    Members of the institution can acquire a copy of the strategic plan to read through and commit to ensuring the university achieves the stated goals.

  • Kenya Receives 1M Doses of AstraZeneca Vaccine

    By: Sumaya Hussein

    (husseinsumaya1@gmail.com)

    First batch of Covid-19 Vaccines offloaded from a Qatar Airways flight at JKIA in Nairobi – AP

    Kenya received the first batch of Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccines on Tuesday night at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi.

    The 1.02 million doses of the vaccine were transported by UNICEF as part of the COVAX initiative which aims to provide equitable access to the vaccines to low-income countries.

    The vaccines arrived on a Qatar Airways flight which was met at JKIA by senior government officials including the Health CS Mutahi Kagwe and representatives of UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO).

    “This is a historic day for Kenya, marking an important milestone in our fight against COVID-19,” said CS Kagwe, “I would like to thank UNICEF, WHO and GAVI for their support in procuring and transporting these life-saving vaccines and the Kenyan people for their cooperation over the past 11.5 months.”

    Health CS Mutahi Kagwe receiving the first batch of Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 Vaccine at JKIA – Ruddi Eggers

    CS Kagwe further added that the vaccines will be moved to stores in Athi River for onward distribution to counties and public hospitals ahead of vaccination.

    Priority will be given to the 400,000 health workers before others in the frontline like teachers, police and people with underlying conditions are vaccinated.

    Kenya had ordered 24 million doses of the vaccine, enough for 20 per cent of the country’s population. The Gavi Alliance however said that it will supply a few doses first, to cover frontline workers and vulnerable people.

    The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine requires two doses that will be given four weeks apart, to prompt the immune system into fighting off the coronavirus. The combination of the two does is said to give a 62% efficacy.

    The first consignment of a million doses is part of an initial allocation to Kenya of 3.56 million doses.

    Kenya hopes to vaccinate about 16 million people by end of the year and suppress the virus with vaccines from Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Johnson and Johnson.

  • PRINCE LOUIS RWAGASORE: BURUNDI’S FEDERATE ROYAL

    PRINCE LOUIS RWAGASORE: BURUNDI’S FEDERATE ROYAL

    In honor of Black History Month, the Involvement Newspaper will be featuring African leaders, heroes, and activists in a bid to remember their contributions towards a better Africa.

    By Nyokabi Ng’anga (Leshnyokabi@gmail.com)

    Thumbnail photo courtesy of africanexponent.com

    Louis Rwagasore was born as the eldest son to Mwami Mwambutsa the IV of Bangicirenge, King of Burundi, in the year 1932.

    In a brief, he is a heroic and historical figure in Burundi’s march to independence. He is also a well-known champion for the unification of Burundi and a staunch opposer to partisan politics.

    On studying administration and agronomy in Brussels, Belgium, he returned to Burundi in the year 1956 and thereafter, begun his journey as one of his country’s leading politicians.

    He initiated agricultural cooperatives, which were aimed at making Burundians gain an upper hand in the country’s agronomics and also, led his people in protesting against Belgium’s rule and domination. However, the cooperatives were banned by the Belgium colonial government.

    In 1958, he formed the National Unity and Progress Party (UPRONA) to further his mission in nationalizing Burundi, and three years later, UPRONA won 80% of the votes cast in parliamentary elections. This led to Louis being declared the Prime Minister- ushering in a new hope for Burundi and its determination towards independence.

    However, weeks later, Louis was assassinated by an identified Greek-gent, while dining in one of Bujumbura’s hotels. Nonetheless, the Greek national was implicated instantly, alongside his other accomplices (who were all Burundians).

    Albeit, worth the note, there is a placed belief that Belgian colonial authorities had a role to play in his murder.

    His assassination denied him the close opportunity to actualize an independent and unified country, as months later, Burundi got its independence on 1st July 1962.

    Photo courtesy of facebook.com

    In Burundi, every year, the 13th of October is set apart in commemoration of Louis and his efforts in fighting for an independent country. Also, a towering mausoleum was built in his honor in the country’s capital and other state facilities named after him.

    Photo of Prince Louis Rwagasore’s mausoleu. Photo courtesy from tripadvsior.com

    Aside from being a leading light and a role model in the field of non-partisan politics, he also engaged with other African leaders, some of whom include: Patrice Lumumba of DRC, Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, and Julius Nyerere of Tanzania.

    Exemplary of his character, it is believed that he married a Hutu lady, distancing himself from the obvious of his ‘tribal-bridal-pick.’

    All these, and much more, assert his intention in unifying Africa through Burundi.

  • Daystar Launches Sexual Harassment Policy

    By: Sumaya Hussein (husseinsumaya1@gmail.com)

    Thumbnail photo courtesy of Daystar University

    Daystar University launched a sexual harassment policy that applies to all members of the institution during the February 11 chapel service at the Nairobi campus.

    Spearheaded by the Human Resource Department, the purpose of the policy, is to create a safe working and learning environment in the institution and allow ease of reporting mechanisms.
    “We want to ensure the environment where the students are studying is safe and secure, and so we came up with that policy”, said Human Resource Manager, Pius Muia.

    DVC-ARSA Prof. Faith Nguru and Human Resource Manager Pius Muia present the Sexual Harassment Policy to Head of Youth and Mainstreaming, Ministry of Education Mr Stephen Jalenga. Photo courtesy of Daystar University.

    The policy contains procedures of how students and staff can make complaints, guidelines for carrying out follow up investigations as well as information on how to handle emergency situations. According to Legal Manager, Mueni Nyobaki, the policy will also serve to create awareness around sexual harassment and promote a culture of good conduct. “The policy promotes training and education at all levels, so when we invite you for sexual harassment policy training, don’t be shy, please come”, said Nyokabi.

    Legal Manager, Mueni Nyokabi during her presentation on the Sexual Harassment Policy. Photo courtesy of Daystar University.

    In attendance was Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academics, Research and Student Affairs, Prof. Faith Nguru, Head of Youth and Gender Mainstreaming Ministry of Education, Mr Stephen Jalenga, members of the faculty, students and staff. “Anyone can be affected by sexual harassment. More ladies are affected than men, therefore, we need concerted efforts to combat the vice…” said Mr Jalenga.

    DVC-ARSA Prof. Nguru mentioned that sexual harassment cases are common and Daystar itself has had such cases brought to the University’s disciplinary committee. “Not even too long ago, we had an issue last week of this nature, so this is not something that is far removed from Daystar and even the other universities”, said Prof. Nguru.

    The sexual harassment policy has been in Daystar since 2013, however, in 2017 during the student’s unrest, matters of sexual harassment came up and therefore there was a need to revise the policy.

  • Former Daystar DVC Appointed as St. Paul’s VC

    Former Daystar DVC Appointed as St. Paul’s VC

    By: Sumaya Hussein (husseinsumaya1@gmail.com)

    Thumbnail photo: New St Paul’s VC James Kombo. Photo courtesy of St Paul’s University

    Daystar’s former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. James Kombo, was today installed as the third Vice-Chancellor of St. Paul’s University (SPU).

    In a ceremony held today at St. Paul’s University in Limuru, the process of installation was performed by the University Chancellor, Prof Margaret Kobia, who is also the CS for Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs.

    “I, James Kombo, do accept the position of Vice-Chancellor in this University, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, amen”, declared Prof. Kombo, after which he began to be robed in the St. Paul’s gown.

    VC Prof. James Kombo signing his acceptance statement. Photo courtesy of St Paul’s University.

    The event was attended by the Senate Majority Leader, Hon. Samuel Poghisio, former St. Paul’s VC Prof. Joseph Galgallo, Daystar VC Prof. Laban Ayiro, Daystar DVC Finance, Administration and Planning, Dr Muturi Wachira and Vice-Chancellors from other various universities.

    Students receiving the new VC through their leaders. Photo courtesy of St Paul’s University.

    The former St. Paul’s VC handed over the University seal, charter, mace, logo and flag to Chancellor Kobia, who then gave them to Prof. Kombo. The installation was finalized when Prof. Kombo signed his acceptance statement, witnessed by the Chancellor.

    Former St Paul’s VC Joseph Galgallo. Photo courtesy of St Paul’s University.

    The Chief Guest Hon. Samuel Poghisio during his speech acknowledged Prof. Kombo saying that his installation “marks yet another milestone in the long journey of SPU to transform itself into a centre of excellence within the context of Kenya and Africa’s realities and needs”.

    Hon. Samuel Poghisio, EGH, MP – Leader of the Majority in the Senate. Photo courtesy of St Paul’s University.
  • Daystar Selected as ICGLR Research Institute of Reference

    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.

  • Book Review: The Woman in the Window

    Book Review: The Woman in the Window

    By: Sharon Jerotich (jerotichsharon096@gmail.com
    Thumbnail courtesy of thecoast.net.nz

    The woman in the window is a New York bestseller with over a million copies sold worldwide. It was written by A.J. Finn, an editor and author. Now, a general rule is that the name of the book alone should be enough to draw readers in, the woman in the window did this for me.

    The story is about a woman, Anna Fox, who has not left her home in 10 months she cannot. Anna has a rare condition known as agoraphobia, the fear of outside spaces or rather being in a situation where escape might be difficult.

    This comes about after a series of events. In those ten months, she has been living like a ghost; watching movies, drinking wine (too much wine), remembering old and much better times, only allowing herself to live vicariously through the lives of her neighbours whom she spies on through her window every chance she gets. When her new neighbours, Russell’s move in next door, she is immediately drawn to them as it reminds her of the life she once had. However, everything is not as it seems in the Russel household, or is it?

    After ten months of nothingness, her life begins to get complicated as it gets intertwined with that of the Russell’s. She is forced in positions that are otherwise uncomfortable for her especially with her case of agoraphobia.

    Reading this book, all sorts of emotions run through you especially as the story untangles. You begin to realize just how twisted the lives of the various characters are. It is a classic story of, you do not know who the bad guy is and you will not be able to guess until you approach the end of the book. A.J. Finn managed to turn what started off as a sad, somewhat normal story into a thrilling, dumfounding one.

    However, the book can get confusing, some might say too confusing. The story takes many twists and turns and one may end up giving up before reaching the end, which we all know, is always the best part. Therefore, if you have the patience to see this book to the end, I would recommend it. It is a good read that will have you sighing and at the edge of your seat very often.

  • MKU becomes the First University to Acquire COVID-19 Testing Machine

    MKU becomes the First University to Acquire COVID-19 Testing Machine


    By: Sumaya Hussein (husseinsumaya1@gmail.com)

    Thumbnail photo courtesy of tuko.co.ke.

    Mount Kenya University has become the first university in the country to purchase a Real-Time PCR machine that will be used for detecting COVID-19.

    The machine, acquired at Ksh15 million, is set to arrive in days from China through TBC biotechnology corporation. “Ours is a commitment to the student population and the society at large that we want to ensure we can test all our students for the virus, at any time,” said MKU’s new Vice-Chancellor Prof. Deogratious Jaganyi. “We not only want to have the ability to test, but also impart skills to our medical students on how this is done since COVID-19 will be with us for a long time.”

    Prof. Jaganyi further added that the institution is considering extending the service to the community at a reasonable rate, this being part of their corporate social responsibility.

    MKU Council Chair, Prof. David Serem (right) hands over the University’s Mace to the new VC Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi during his installation ceremony on 29th January 2021. Photo courtesy of KCB.

    Real-Time RT-PCR is one of the most widely used laboratory methods for detecting COVID-19. Many countries use it to diagnose other diseases such as Ebola and Zika virus. Currently, there are 34 medical institutions in Kenya which have approved PCR machines and some charge as high as Ksh10,000 for Covid-19 test

    In 2020, MKU Medical School was ranked the best in Kenya with a score of 82 out of 100 points in an inspection conducted by a team of technical health experts from East African Community Partner States National Medical and Dental Practitioners Regulatory Councils.

  • Daystar Begins Asset Verification Process

    Daystar Begins Asset Verification Process

    By: Neema Oloo (oloojneema@gmail.com)

    Thumbnail photo courtesy of Business Daily

    Daystar University began its fixed asset verification exercise on Thursday to establish its existing assets, their location, numbers and condition, after which a report will be prepared.

    According to the Finance Manager, Mrs Phyllis Mutua, it is important to have the exercise to identify where resources are and for accountability purposes given that the University has two branches. The exercise was set to begin on February 1 but delayed due to registration of new students that tied the hands of the few available staff.

    Speaking to Involvement, Mrs Mutua emphasized that the department cannot neglect other office assignments to carry out the exercise. Therefore, they shall dedicate two hours of their day to conduct the exercise from Thursday 4, February 2021.

    Agape Library at Daystar University Athi River Campus. Photo courtesy of Daystar University Twitter.

    Asset verification has not taken place for the last two years majorly because of the changes in the leadership of the institution that saw Prof. Laban Ayiro take over as the university Vice-Chancellor.
    However, the institution is well endowed with resources, in terms of land, equipment, vehicles and buildings. It has heavily invested in the physical libraries on both campuses, ensuring they are well equipped with core textbooks and other learning materials.

    “Daystar is well endorsed with resources and that is in terms of land, vehicles and classrooms and even the facilities we have”, said Finance Manager, Mrs Mutua.

    The finance department is set to introduce a new implementation of their systems that will not only be beneficial to students but shall also ease the work done by its staff. The department is working hand in hand with a few members of the admissions department to ensure that the exercise is a success.