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Category: News

  • Daystar Student Appointed Vice-Chair of Universities’ Body

    Daystar Student Appointed Vice-Chair of Universities’ Body

    By Wangui Njau
    (njaucatherine@gmail.com)

    Thumbnail Photo Courtesy of Stacy Wangari.


    Stacy Gichuhi Wangari, a third year Bachelor of Science in Acturial science major, has been appointed as the vice-chairperson of the Actuarial Students’ Society of Kenya (ASSK).


    The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certificate holder and a member of the Daystar University Actuarial Science Association (DUASA) state that this will be an opportunity to fellow DUASA members, hence the urge to take it up.


    “I knew the position will create more opportunities for me especially in the Actuarial market and also it would open doors for Actuarial students in Daystar especially when it came to things like internship so I decided to go for it,” says Stacy.


    Her major tasks will be taking charge of the society in the absence of the chairperson and maintaining records on its membership. First on the list is overseeing a project where the ASSK in association with the corporate career academy has been looking into bridging the gap between students and the industry. This is to be achieved through a series of monthly meetings coupled up with various guests from all over the industry- including Safaricom’s George Odera.


    Vincent Gitonga, the newly appointed Chairperson of the society is focused on creating opportunities for students under it through “exploring as many options as possible.” In his agenda also is to increase networking opportunities for members, despite the challenges due to the pandemic.


    Stacy reckons that her main challenge is the coordination of students from the 18 member universities distributed across the country. However, having been a member of the society, her experience so far allows her to gain exposure as she interacts and connects with the giants in the industry in the hopes of giving back to her fellow actuaries.


    Formed in 2013, the ASSK is a registered society with the registrar of societies under the office of the attorney general of Kenya. Its main objective has been providing a platform for Actuarial students to grow academically, professionally, and socially by networking with Actuarial professionals in the industry and fellow Actuarial students on all campuses in Kenya.

  • EURO 2020; Master of The Unexpected

    EURO 2020; Master of The Unexpected

    By Muhanguzi Tola

    tolakofa1@gmail.com

    Italy celebrate winning the UEFA European Championship at Wembley Stadium. PHOTO: UEFA EURO 2020

    Former Arsenal vice chair David Dein once stated that “normality is boring”, when describing Arsene Wenger- one of the greatest managers to grace the city that hosted the European Championship’s final match on July 11. To put his words into context, the tournament has been one of the most surprise filled, feeding us with matches that kept us on our toes all through.

    Many are stories to tell from it, as dreams were realized – and others crushed. Barcelona and Spain’s 19 year old Pedri proved to be a reincarnation of the midfield maestro Andres Iniesta, with performances that won him the Young Player of the Tournament award. This, among others gave the Euro 2020 a special feeling, as fans witnessed a revamped Italy led by the grandfather of defending Giorgio Chiellini scoop the Henry Delaunay trophy on their opponent’s home ground.

    The Awakening of the Azzuri

    Italy gave a masterpiece of a performance as they rose to win their first major tournament since the 2006 World Cup. The team had been on a decline that culminated with them failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, but the appointment of the classy Roberto Mancini has seen them go on to win the tournament, in the process extending their unbeaten run to 34 games.

    The fall of England in yet another tournament extends their wait for an international trophy, the last being the 1966 World Cup.

    The Demise of the ‘Group of Death’

    Group F, which pitted France (reigning world champions), Portugal (2016 European champions) Germany (2014 World Champions) and Hungary lived up to its name, as all teams were knocked out of the tournament in the early stages.

    France’s exit orchestrated by Switzerland in the Round of 16(R16) is the biggest upset, with the world champions having been the favorites to lift the trophy. Germany gave football fans a fitting end to an action packed group stage when they welcomed Hungary to Munich, but failed to produce the same momentum against England at the R16. Portugal went down to current toppers of the FIFA rankings Belgium in the same round.

    Denmark’s Dream Tournament

    Denmark’s journey started with unexpected events as the world was subjected to some uneventful scenes during their first match against Finland. The team lost the services of their star player Christian Eriksen who had to be transported to hospital mid match after suffering a cardiac arrest.

    Theirs is however a wonder tale as they qualified for the knockout stages of the competition following a 4-1 thumping of Russia in Copenhagen in their final group stage fixture. The team put four past Wales in the R16, proceeding to the quarterfinals where they also triumphed following a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic. Their hopes of replicating their 1992 performance when they won the title were dimmed by Gareth Southgate’s English army that saw them off in an action packed semifinal that went all the way to extra time.

    This remains to be the one of the country’s best performances only coming close to their ’92 triumph after joining the tournament late on following the expulsion of Yugoslavia.

  • Falcons Coach Calls Out Referee for Questionable Officiating

    By Muhanguzi Tola

    tolakofa1@gmail.com

    Falcons side celebrate scoring a goal in league match. PHOTO: Desmond Mboya

    Falcons’ soccer team head coach Boniface Mutuku has questioned referees’ officiating following a few controversial incidents that saw two of his players red-carded in a Sunday FKF Division 2 fixture.

    “If you look at the referee sometimes he was emotional, also retaliating against the players. That is something to be looked at in future because as a referee and a professional, you don’t need to engage with the players,” said coach Mutuku.

    Speaking after a 2-1 win against Itoleka FC at the Bethel grounds, the coach further commended the team for their resilience and fighting spirit. Two second half set piece goals were enough to overturn a one goal deficit in a match that almost had the visitors walk out midway. The goals, each from a free kick by Barrack Khaseke were netted by Daniel ‘Dante’ Zevai and substitute Wallace Anene.

    Joash Olwaga picked up the first red card after committing a foul that yielded the visitors’ only goal from the resulting free kick. Keeper Kennedy Omondi received the second, whilst defending a corner. Defender Mahisi Luzolo was forced to pull on the goalkeeping gloves, producing some superb saves that kept the score line in Falcon’s favor.

    The coach’s remarks were backed by team captain Barrack, who expressed his displeasure in the referee’s decisions as he commended his teammates’ discipline. According to him, referees make good decisions and bad ones, but it’s really disappointing when they make decisions that affect the game.

    The team’s fitness has been a key discussion point, with most of the first team players nursing injuries, with the team having as many as four fixtures in one weekend. Team manager Millicent Tipatet has acknowledged that fatigue is a challenge on the players, hence the frequent injuries.

    “A lot of people have been injured. I think we need to work on our conditioning more but for the next game we’ll be good to go,” said Tipatet.

  • CRUNCH TIME IN THE KUSA LEAGUE AS TEAMS FACE ELEVEN GAMES IN FOUR WEEKS

    CRUNCH TIME IN THE KUSA LEAGUE AS TEAMS FACE ELEVEN GAMES IN FOUR WEEKS

    By KEN ANDREW

    kenakikenyi@gmail.com

    Thumbnail Photo Courtesy of Emmanuel Loreng’.

    Daystar City and Daystar Falcons football teams are gearing up for a tough four weeks which will see them play twice every weekend in the Kenya University Sports Association (KUSA) League, Nairobi conference.

    The Falcons have one fixture on the weekend of 26th and 27th June and their double game weekends start on Saturday 3rd July 2021.Daystar City, having played a game less, kick off their double game weekends on 26th June 2021 against Pan Africa University. Both teams are looking to start the run strongly and have a good end to what has been a long season because of the pandemic. The period is especially tough for the Falcons who also have fixtures in the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Division Two Eastern Zone alongside the KUSA league games. They will need a big squad with no injuries to be able to sail easily through this tough period.

    The Falcons have had a tough season in the KUSA League. They are on two points having played five times. They have not been able to win a game this season- drawing two and losing three- and are keen to turn their fortunes this weekend as they face Gretsa University on Sunday. The game is seen as winnable for the Falcons as Gretsa University are at the bottom of the log (yet to kick a ball in the restarted league) and are not usually the toughest of opponents for the Falcons. Fatigue could also play a key role in that match as Gretsa play twice that weekend, facing KCA on Saturday before the Falcons on Sunday.

    City will be starting the period off with a win in the derby. Their current record stands at four games played with two losses, one draw and one win. They will only be focused on the varsity league as they do not participate in the FKF leagues. Their first double game weekend will see them face Pan Africa University and KCA University, who are both tough outfits that will be looking to gain maximum points.

    Daystar City (blue) play against Kenyatta University in the KUSA league. Photo Courtesy of George Mwangi

    The league leaders, Kenyatta University, will also face tough fixtures this weekend with the ‘KU Derby’ taking center stage on Saturday 26th June as they take on Kenyatta University Nairobi Campus. On Sunday, they will face long time challengers JKUAT Main Campus in what will be a tasty clash for the fans and the result might have a serious effect on the league table. Kenyatta University will have a home advantage as all the league games will be taking place at their school football pitches.

    Key Fixtures and Dates in the KUSA League 2021 Saturday 26th June 2021: KU vs. KU Nairobi

    Sunday 11th July 2021: Daystar City vs. KU

    Sunday 18th July 2021: Daystar Falcons vs. Daystar City

    Sunday 25th July 2021: KU vs. Daystar Falcons.

  • THE DIAMOND VS THE NOTORIOUS: WHO WILL WIN THE TRILOGY?

    THE DIAMOND VS THE NOTORIOUS: WHO WILL WIN THE TRILOGY?

    BY KEN ANDREW

    kenakikenyi@gmail.com

    Thumbnail Photo Courtesy Of Instagram/Dustin Poirier)

    A turning point in the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is expected on July 10th* 2021 as “The Notorious” Conor McGregor will step into the octagon to face “The Diamond” Dustin Poirier for a third time in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). This fight is viewed as a do or die for McGregor as many feel that he may have to retire if he loses. 

    The Irishman has been vocal on social media throughout the pandemic often tweeting that he would like to challenge for both the UFC’s lightweight and welterweight titles. He held the lightweight title in 2016 after a spectacular second-round finish over former champion Eddie Alvarez but is yet to taste welterweight glory. Ever since his debut in 2007, McGregor has risen to become one of the biggest athletes in the world and has seen his wealth grow incredibly. He will be under pressure as Poirier looks to knock him out in consecutive bouts.

    In their first bout, which was in the UFC’s featherweight division, Conor got into Dustin’s head with mind games and trash talk. The Irishman knocked Dustin out and was then seen as a serious contender for a title. This was at UFC 178 in 2014. Fast-forwarding to January 2021, both men were competing in the lightweight division and met in the octagon for the second time headlining UFC 257 in Abu Dhabi. The first round was pretty even with Dustin landing some good low kicks and taking Conor down while Conor landed some good left hands and shoulder strikes. In the second round, a flurry of punches from Dustin saw him knock out Conor, something nobody had seen coming. As sweet as the victory was, Dustin was quick to acknowledge that they were tied 1-1 and a third tiebreaking fight had to happen. The third fight was then set for UFC 264 on July 10th, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is expected to be the biggest Pay Per View (PPV) of the year. Unsurprisingly, the tickets for the event were sold out in seconds!

    McGregor (left) and Poirier fight at UFC 257 in Abu Dhabi Photo Courtesy Of Getty Images)

    The pair have had words for each other on social media with Dustin disappointed that Conor did not honor his promise to donate half a million dollars to his charity and Conor angrily retorting that it was meant to be “a donation, not a debt”. This sets up the fight nicely with everyone involved expectant to see the Conor of old with his swagger and brilliant trash talking which has not been seen in his last two fights. This winner of this fight will get the next shot at the lightweight title which is currently held by Jiu-Jitsu specialist Charles “do Bronx” Oliveira.

    One of the big questions still yet to be answered is centered on Conor’s motivation. He was recently named the highest-earning athlete by Forbes having earned $180 million in 2020, surpassing even footballers Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi! Marvin Hagler, a boxing legend, once said that it is hard to get up in the morning for a run when you are sleeping in silk sheets implying that it is hard to find the motivation to go to work when you have already earned everything you may want- money and titles for example. Conor has won two titles in the UFC; he recently sold his whiskey brand for a huge amount and has a couple of endorsement deals. Why does he still keep fighting? Do these factors affect his preparations for fights? If there was a time to put the doubters and those questioning his motivation away for Conor, it is on July 10th.

    Whatever the outcome, the fight promises to be exciting. Will Dustin put Conor away or will Conor put his best foot forward and deliver another iconic knockout. We will find out on July 10th as The Diamond Dustin Poirier takes on The Notorious Conor McGregor in the biggest fight of the year.

    *July 10th is the official date provided by the UFC. Due to time zone differences, the event happens on July 11th EAT in Kenya.

  • INVOLVEMENT ISSUE 240

    INVOLVEMENT ISSUE 240

    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. 

    Issue 240 Final

     

  • Safari on the Rally

    By Jonah Karanja

    Rally car passes by as onlookers enjoy the scene. PHOTO: sportsnews.africa

    After nearly 19 year of inaction, the Safari Rally is back in action in the Kenyan Wilderness. The event is expected to unite young and old motorsports enthusiasts in cheering and enjoying the thrill that is created by sports cars while also enjoying the scenic beauty that lies across the six planned rally routes. The 3-day event is to mark the sixty eighth running of the Safari Rally and will be the sixth round of the 2021 World Rally Championship, World Rally Championship-2 which is the second tier in rallying event and World Rally Championship-3 which is the third tier in the event.

    The WRC Safari Rally return is much anticipated by Kenyans, event organizers, rally drivers and motorsports manufacturers among them Hyundai, Toyota, Ford and Volkswagen as they wait to test their modern vehicles on the unforgiving Kenyan terrain. The Kenyan government through the ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage is giving the event and its organizers all the necessary support to see to it that the WRC Safari Rally has successful return. The smooth return of the WRC Safari Rally after a 19year break cements Kenya’s position when it comes to sporting events ranging from rugby, camel, athletics and motorsports. “We want to make Kenya the rally country in the continent and the entire globe,” Sports CS Amina said.

    Probably the biggest sporting event in Kenya, the Safari Rally was supposed to make a comeback in the WRC around July 2020 but was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic that is wreaking havoc across all sporting activities in the world. Nearly all sporting activities in the year 2019-2020 were cancelled or rescheduled as crowding was attributed to be a big factor in increased Covid-19 infections in Sports.

    Due to its rugged nature, Kenya’s  welcoming, and sporting spirit and unforgiving terrain, the Safari Rally reputation is set to increase tourism activities into the country hence bringing in the much needed foreign exchange into the Kenyan Economy.

    The 3-day WRC Safari Rally event is projected to inject approximately 6 billion into the Kenyan economy while also creating employment in the service industries such as caterers, local mechanics in the workshops and purchase of locally made products. The Made in Kenya brand and products will be visible to hundreds of foreigners and spectators especially through Media Coverage.

    By taking advantage of the World Rally Championship Viewership, Kenya as a country will be laid bare in the eyes of people hundreds of miles away given that the World Rally Championship commands a viewership of almost 800 million. With the ever-growing view ship, The Safari Rally is set to advertise Kenya’s capability in event planning and hosting, Kenya’s welcoming people and Kenya’s progress in terms of social economic structures as a middle-income country, all which will impacts positively to our economy.

    The Safari Rally comes barely a month to the onset of the Great Wildebeest migration which is heralded as one of the seven new wonders of the world. It is indeed a great time to be in Kenya to witness the transition from Man versus Machine to Animals versus Nature. The migration is an annual spectacle in Kenya’s Maasai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti and boosts thousands of Animals that try to overcome tiredness, hungry crocodiles, lions, hyenas and wild dogs. The sports tourism and nature tourism will give Kenya an edge when it comes to Tourism in Africa and bring about development as part of the revenue earned can be used as a driver towards the realization of the Big 4 Agenda.

  • Physical Exams To Be Adopted From May Semester

    By Aaron Kituku

    (kaykituku@gmail.com)

    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.

  • Falcons Stunned as Daystar City Run with Derby

    By Muhanguzi Tola

    tolakofa1@gmail.com

    • Daystar City coach Antony Baki discusses Tactics with the team (photo retrieved from Sadiqsnapshots)

    Daystar City’s Prince Kofi stole the show with a cameo performance as his second half hat trick sealed a 3-1 comeback in a mouthwatering derby played at the Mount Kenya University (MKU) grounds on June 13.

    Falcons looked on course to extend their good form following yesterday’s win when Emmanuel Lorenzo’s first half strike gave them the lead in the early morning fixture against their arch rivals. The former City player’s goal was however not enough, as his former team was full of responses in the second half.

    Insipid in the first, the City side returned for the second half livened up, Kofi taking advantage of two fumbles by the falcon’s keeper and a kick from the spot to punish the Athi based team. Brilliant performances by Eric Linox and Nathan Hanif, who won the penalty for his team fostered a hard-earned coveted victory.

    “It was a tough game, but I am proud of Daystar City. We conceded in the first half but rallied in the second and showed heart and desire to earn a comeback win. I loved our fight as a team,” said Ken Andrews, the Daystar City team captain.

    The win is their first of the season having lost two and drawn one. It also marks a comeback from yesterday’s game that saw them get thrashed 5-1 by log leaders Kenyatta University (KU), and takes the team off the bottom of the standings.

    Falcons on the other hand moves below City on the log for the first time this season, each having 4 points. City however have a game in hand over their rivals, having played a game lesser.

    The clash saw a number of intense moments, with City’s Kenneth Kagugo seeing red in the second half. The coaches were forced into making substitutions after Falcon’s sharpshooter Victor Atta ran into Nathan, both picking up injuries in the process.

    Atta’s injury adds on to Falcon’s crisis, with forward Gian Gaile having picked one during yesterday’s 2-0 FKF win against 3K FC. Head Coach Boniface Mutuku had hinted at the possibility of having a tough day, as he insisted on the importance of both teams’ recovery after yesterday’s matches.

    Falcons look to respond to the defeat when they face Al Ahly in their second game of the day.

  • DERBY DAY FOR DAYSTAR FOOTBALL AS FALCONS TAKE ON CITY

    DERBY DAY FOR DAYSTAR FOOTBALL AS FALCONS TAKE ON CITY


    BY KEN ANDREW
    kenakikenyi@gmail.com

    Thumbnail Photo Courtesy of facebook.com


    The Daystar University sports department and football enthusiasts will on Sunday June 13 be treated to the biggest game of the season so far. The Daystar Falcons (The team based in Athi River) will play hosts to Daystar City (the team based in Valley Road) in the Daystar Derby. The match is a Kenya University Sports Association (KUSA) League match and will be played at Mount Kenya University in Thika- a neutral Venue.


    The Daystar derby is just like any other derby worldwide; it is a feisty clash with both teams eager to keep their pride intact and get bragging rights by beating their closest friends- who are also their fiercest rivals. The fact that the match will be played at a neutral venue takes a little bit of spice off it but expect a proper and intense showing by both teams.


    This will be the first KUSA League Daystar derby since early 2019. The last meeting was a friendly at the Bethel Grounds in Athi River with the Falcons getting a slim 2-1 victory. On Sunday, both teams will be under pressure to secure the three points as the league is beginning to pick up.

    Daystar City coach Antony Baki discusses Tactics with the team (photo retrieved from Sadiqsnapshots)

    Daystar City will be looking to capitalize on the fact that they have only played two games, drawing one and losing the other. They have a double header this weekend facing the table toppers Kenyatta University Main Campus on Saturday before engaging the Derby on Sunday. The Falcons, on the other hand, have played four games, drawing two and losing two.


    “I’m excited about the derby because it’s obvious, as has always been, that the Falcons will take it home. We’re prepared to do what we always do so Daystar City should just concede while they can,” said Millicent Tipatet, the Falcon’s team manager.


    The Falcons were boosted by the arrival of new players who were impressive in their debuts. Amongst them is Emmanuel Loreng’-who mostly goes by the name “Lorenzo”- who switched allegiances by leaving City for Falcons. He will be a key player alongside captain Barack and Gian. For Daystar City, new arrival Joss Chindia will be looking to make his league debut with regular Nathan Hanif keen to increase his goal tally for the team.


    When questioned about the derby, Daystar Falcons captain Barack said that both teams will be out to stop the other. He added that derby games have a special place in the hearts of fans and that it will be their chance to witness what the players have to offer. He reiterated, from a management point of view, that everything had been done to facilitate both teams. The views from many in the City camp is that they have been neglected with their equipment and kits being old and few. They have been unable to secure new ones for a very long time.


    Daystar City’s assistant captain Victor Gakuru said that he expects a tough outing in a rivalry that has stood for a longtime. The Nairobi Campus Secretary Brian ‘Zaza’ Achoka is expecting competitiveness in the fixture and added that a win will be important for Daystar City.

    His counterpart, Walter Nalwa, from Athi River says that his team has trained adequately throughout the week with the players being fit and ready to secure the points. He is hopeful and confident that the Falcons will win.


    With both teams out for the win, it is sure to be an enticing match.