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  • What it Takes to Run for Student Council in Daystar

    by Sumaya Hussein

    (husseinsumaya1@gmail.com)

    Photo Courtesy of Alignment.org

    Elections for the Daystar University Student Association (DUSA) are around the corner and nominations are currently ongoing.

    The student body consists of two organs; the student council and the University congress. This article elaborates on what makes a student eligible to run for the council in accordance to the final DUSA Constitution of 2019 that includes the recent amendments.

    According to the constitution, the student council is made up of the chairperson of the association, vice chair and secretary – academic affairs, general secretary, treasurer, campus secretaries and the ISADU (International Students Association of Daystar University) chairperson and minority representatives.

    Firstly, to run for any of the mentioned positions, one must be a mature “born-again Christian” who demonstrates leadership and integrity. This means that students from other religions that are not Christian, specifically “born again”, cannot run for council.

    Secondly, any interested student who has ever been to the disciplinary committee shouldn’t bother vying for a seat. This is because the rules require the student to have a “good standing in the community” and not have broken any university rules.

    It is also stated that the students should have the recommendation of the Chaplain to ensure the they meet the constitutional requirement concerning the code of conduct.

    The constitution further requires any student intending to vie to have completed at least one academic year and show reasonable proof that they will be available to serve during their term in office. Alternatively, they must be left with at least one full academic year, exclusive of their practicum.

    Moreover, the student running must have a cumulative GPA of more than 2.5, for undergraduate and diploma students, and more than 3.25 for postgraduate students. They therefore require the approval the university’s registrar to certify that they have met these minimum academic requirements.

    The document goes ahead to state that the student running will not be discriminated against based on their race, sex, nationality, age or Church denomination. International students are free to run for any council seat and are not only limited to the ISADU position.

    Furthermore, the person vying for treasurer’s seat is required to have credible supporting evidence of skills in basic accounting. Lastly, the aspiring candidate must also get approval from an outgoing DUSA executive.

    Nominations and application for the DUSA body end on Tuesday and elections are set to be held on the eleventh week of the semester.

    Previously elections were held annually on the fourteenth weeks but was changed to eleventh in the new amendments to accommodate the trimester calendar. Consequently, qualified nominees will be announced by the presiding officer on the ninth week.

  • DCCC Health Awareness Week a Success

    by Winnie Barake

    (winnemoraa6232@gmail.com)

    Students getting check-ups during Health Awareness Week at the DUSA Park in the main campus at Athi River – Saddam

    Daystar Compassion and Care Centre (DCCC) organized and ran a health awareness week at the DUSA park in the main campus in Athi River.

    The health week ran from Monday to Friday and lasted for an entire day every day. The program was out to make students aware of their health situation, and included both physical and mental health checkups.

    This year, the team partnered with Equity Afia and Nairobi Women’s Hospital to provide free checkups that included, HIV testing, optical, dental, high blood pressure and BMI tests.

    Consultants from the service providers also gave additional information, to those who wanted to know more about taking good care of their personal health.

    DCCC Vice President with Equity Afia service providers – Saddam

    HIV/AIDS testing and consultation registered the highest number of turnouts from students, out of all other check-ups available.

    The service providers commended Daystar for organizing the program and encouraging students to avail themselves for the tests. They further urged the institution to conduct health weeks at least twice a semester for the good of the students.

    DCCC is a student body that is focused on providing holistic health to the Daystar fraternity and the community as a whole.

    The group purposes to help students with psychosocial and health challenges through support groups that are held on a weekly basis.

    DCCC Coordinator and Service Providers – Saddam

  • Ghana wins U20 AFCON Championship

    By Muhanguzi Tola

    (tolakofa1@gmail.com)

    The Black Satellites crowned champions of Africa. PHOTO| Twitter

    The Black Satellites of Ghana are the 2021 champions of the coveted U20 Africa Cup of Nations championship that was held in Mauritania from February 14 to March 16.

    The team led by Captain Daniel Afriyie won their fourth- and first since 2009, AFCON title after defeating the Hippos of Uganda in a tightly contested match at the Stade Olympique de Nouakchott. A brace from the captain earned the team a 2-0 win against the Hippos. The performance earned him Man of the match award.

    Vice president Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia congratulated the team through twitter, stating his pride for their performance.

    “Congratulations to Black Satellites of Ghana for winning  the 2021 Total Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament…We are proud of you,” tweeted Dr. Bawumia.

    The win came as a gift for the Ghanians, who were celebrating their 64th independence day. Head coach Abdul Karim Zito had insisted on the importance of winning the trophy on the anniversary, citing this as a great motivation for the team.

    “We are privileged to represent our nation here and as a way of thanking our country we have to win this trophy and present to H.E President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo,” stated the coach during the pre-match conference.

    The team maneuvered through the group stage with a 4-0 win against Tanzania and a draw against Morroco before eliminating Cameroon in the quarterfinals. They then won 1-0 in a tightly contested semifinal against the Scorpions of Gambia.

    The Hippos, who had had an outstanding debut at the tournament, won the Fair Play Award as striker Derrick Kakooza bagged the top scorer award with 5 goals. The striker, together with teammate Aziizi Kayondo was named in the Best XI as Head Coach Morley Byekwaso walked away with Manager of the tournament award.

    Uganda Hippos wins AFCON U20 Fair Play Award PHOTO| FUFA

    The Scorpions of Gambia won the bronze medal after defeating Tunisia 4-2 in penalties following a goalless draw in the third place playoff on March 5.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Joe Biden Inaugurated as the 46th US President

    Joe Biden Inaugurated as the 46th US President

    By: Theresa Mwawanga (theresamwawanga@gmail.com)

    Thumbnail photo courtesy of ROBERTO SCHMIDT, AFP via Getty Images

    A new dawn in the U.S.A set to start today as President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris are set to be inaugurated in Washington DC.

    78-year-old Joseph R Biden Jr will serve as the country’s 46th President alongside Vice President-elect, 56-year-old, Kamala Harris, who is the current Senator of California. Kamala Harris will become the first female Vice President and the first Black American and first person of South Asian descent to serve as vice president in American history.

    The inauguration was announced after a duly constitutional process was finalized by a joint session of Congress. The Democratic nominee will take over from the incumbent President, Donald Trump. President-elect Biden won with 306 electoral votes surpassing the 270-threshold.

    President Joe Biden (Left) and Vice President Kamala Harris (Right) after winning the US election.
    Photo courtesy of OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images

    The incumbent republican President, Donald Trump, lost to Biden with 232 electoral college votes however is still settled on not conceding defeat. Security has been tightened in Washington DC ahead of the upcoming inauguration. This was consequently of horrors of chaos, that saw demonstrators taking over Capitol Hill, hindering confirmation of Biden’s electro college win by Congress, for a while. In the speech he gave after scooping the presidential victory, Biden assured Americans that his era will focus on uniting and not dividing states. Finding ways to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, building prosperity, improving family health care, root out systemic racism and ensure climate safety.

    On Wednesday, Joe Biden signed an executive order in the Oval office, after taking an oath to be the 46th US President, ending the controversial Muslim travel ban that was introduced by his predecessor, Donald Trump. Biden proclaimed that the US “was built on a foundation of religious freedom and tolerance, a principle enshrined” in the US constitution.

    “Our national security will be enhanced by revoking the Executive Order and Proclamations,” said Biden before requesting all American embassies and consulates to act accordingly with the end of the Travel Ban.

  • DUSA President Eyes Nairobi Governor Seat

    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.