Daystar University will continue with blended learning for August semester 2021 with some classes being administered face to face.
Through an internal memo sent to students on August 17, all law students except fourth year students, and nursing students will have physical classes. All certificate, first-year diploma, and undergraduate classes will be conducted physically.
Other courses, according to the memo will be administered online.
“Given the COVID 19 protocol expectations, we will continue with the blended learning mode in the August 2021 semester,” read the memo from the DVC-Academics Prof. Faith Nguru.
The Deputy President, Monicah Gitau, and the Secretary General, Paul Caleb alias Msando, are set to have a meeting with Prof. Nguru August 18. This is for further clarification on the matter.
All continuing Communication students will be taught online with an exception for those that need studios. The School of Human and Social Sciences will have online classes with repeated physical classes for practicals.
School of Science is set to continue with physical learning.
All postgraduate classes will be conducted online.
“Further details will be provided by the HODs and Deans of Schools regarding the exact courses that may require allowable alternative modes of blended teaching,” stated the memo.
All undergraduate evening classes will be conducted online as stated in an updated memo on August 18.
The University adopted the blended mode of learning last year August 2020. This was due to the restrictions and measurements put up by the government against Covid-19.
Physical orientation for new students is set to begin on 23 August, with classes set to begin a week later.
As students hope to resume physical classes, the August 2021 semester exams will be sat for physically.
In the words of the late Nelson Mandela, “There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere.” Daystar Students set out to prove this point in the Inter-campus debate held at the main campus in Athi River, July 30.
The audience was eager and they flocked to the venue of the event to listen, learn and support their colleagues.
The participants from both campuses came prepared, as points from them all were valid. It was a heated debate and the audience also contributed through questions and comments. Also opinions regarding the participants’ different points and the motion of the day.
Passion was spelled on the participants’ faces as they each defended their points and their teams under the motion of the day: A united Africa is a far-fetched and outdated idea that can never be realized.
The audience was a bit of a killer joy with some of them not understanding the motion and posing questions that were not aligned with it.
According to the Oxford dictionary far-fetched means unlikely and unconvincing. The proposers were not against the idea of having a united Africa. They were rather of the idea that this will take a while before it happens. They went ahead to give reasons like corruption, dependency on foreign aid, and other reasons as examples.
The opposers on the other side called the proposers out for “betraying Africa” by stating that it is possible to achieve this unity regardless of the current state of African Countries. They supported this by urging the youth, who make up the highest percentage of Africa’s population to be the change.
Having corrupt leaders does not mean having corrupt youths and corrupt generations, standing up against corruption, and being the change that is the call.
The opposers were championing for change in the view of the dream of a united Africa and its possibility of not being founded on the current circumstances. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”
Daystar’s Falcons chess team emerged as the top university scoring 19 points at the Nakuru Open Chess Tournament held at Waterbuck Hotel. The tournament was held on July 31 and August 1. It featured more than 120 players from Kenya and had 7 universities present. It consisted of 7 rounds and was, in fact, the largest competitive tourney in the past two years.
Daystar sent a team of 8 players (6 men and 2 ladies) under the guidance of Karan Christie and captained by Brian Ngetich.
“I would like to thank Daystar management for giving us the opportunity to participate in this prestigious event. This has been a good performance especially after resuming over the board Chess in Kenya and we look forward to improving our games and win more tournaments in the future,” said Brian.
The top scorers were Weldon Ngetich (former captain) and Glen Kingoina with 4.5/7 points respectively. The other players representing Daystar were: Carlos Musungu, Jackline Wambugu, Olive Sang and Vincent Muthuiya.
The Daystar Chess Falcons Team.
In 2020 the team shifted to online chess due to the pandemic. This took away the thrill and general feel of the game. The Nakuru Open 2021 brought back a more positive vibe and allowed our chess players to really immerse themselves. Daystar now looks forward to hosting the 6th Daystar Chess Open soon.
For more information on joining the Daystar Chess Falcons, please contact Brian on +254 713 599 645.
Thumbnail Photo Courtesy of Instagram (dusacouncil_official).
The Daystar University Student Association Council members marked their 100 days in office on July 29. They have had their own share of challenges as they take up their mantle and honor their oath of office to serve the students.
Being the first government after four years, students say the council members have a lot to do to fill the gap left by their predecessors and restore the faith students had in DUSA. There have been mixed reactions from students regarding DUSA’s term in office -so far.
Former Daystar University Actuarial Science Association (DUASA) Secretary-General Martin Mutugi has questioned some of the offices while mentioning that only a few are actively functioning. He said:
“It is nice that we have a DUSA government, therefore students can be represented. However not all DUSA offices are being felt. ‘’
The financial year ended on July 31, which was the same day the 2021-2022 budget was to be released. According to the finance secretary Wambui Njoroge, a draft of the budget has been submitted to the finance manager’s office for approval.
“The budget is set to be read after the orientation period in August. The congress will receive official communication once the budget is approved but will not get to amend it,’’ said Wambui Njoroge. However, the DUSA constitution clearly stipulates that the budget is to be submitted to Congress for final approval.
The student government is however yet to be fully productive with students complaining of loopholes including those in the DUSA constitution.
The Athi river campus governor Walter Nalwa stated that the journey has not been easy as they are trying not to succumb to the pressure that comes with serving both students who are online and those who are having physical classes.
He went on to add that they are working to ensure that students’ matters are addressed accordingly.
“We not only want to serve the able students alone but also the needy students. DUSA is not a resistant movement […] but it is a champion for students’ interests in a diplomatic manner,” said Walter.
Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, the university is yet to have all students back in school physically, posing a challenge to the council members as they strive to ensure all students are heard and their matters looked into.
His colleague the Nairobi campus governor Brian Achoka popularly known as Zaza insisted that the two are working hand in hand to revive clubs and associations which fall under their docket.
“My colleague and I have managed to revive some clubs which include the Debate Club, Daystar University Peace and International Studies Student Association (DUPPISA), Daystar Model United Nations club (DMUN), and we are on the way to revive all of the clubs both in Nairobi and Athi River campus,’’ said Zaza.
DUSA Council Members during their swearing in ceremony.Photo Courtesy of Insatgram (daystar_uni).
The Council members work with a number of standing committees to serve the students and ensure all their grievances are met. Each committee has at least one council official in it, and serve the purpose of achieving the aims and objectives of the association. However, a source privy to the Involvement Newspaper reveals that a communication committee, which is tasked with running opinion polls on issues of interest to the Association is yet to be formed.
Students’ cries to have events restored have in a way been heard, having had the Daystar Talanta Event, which witnessed a mass turn up from the students, in the Athi River and Nairobi campuses on July 22 and 29 respectively.
“We are looking forward to having more events, more turn-ups and also support from the university administration as we engage in these activities and serve the students,” the Secretary-General Caleb Paul alias Msando said.
The ex-officio members of the student government; Daystar Christian Fellowship (DCF) chair Moses Wisdom and the Daystar Compassion and Care Centre (DCCC) president, Derrick Kamura commended the DUSA council members for what they have done so far. However, the two state that there is more that the council is yet to do.
The university’s attempt to incorporate the problem based learning has not been a ride in the park as Deputy President Monica Gitau says. She added that it has been a challenge for both students and lecturers.
“I raised the issue and wrote a letter to the DVC-Academics. The Problem Based Learning intentions is to make students know how to do researches and not being spoon-fed and not overburdening the students with assignments. We look forward to better problem-Based Learning where both students and especially the lecturers understand this concept,” [sic] said Monica Gitau.
The Involvement Newspaper has reached out to the DUSA President Marco Laboso who is yet to comment on the progress made by DUSA so far.
The battle between the biggest football simulation video games will be intense this year. Electronic Arts (EA) will be releasing the twenty ninth installment of their ‘FIFA’ series – FIFA 22, while the Japanese company Konami is working on releasing its game, eFootball, in September or October.
The Konami game is more popularly known as Pro Evolution Soccer (PES), but recently underwent a name change and will now be referred to as eFootball. The two games have sat atop the football gaming world for well over two decades with both achieving critical and commercial success.
The two video games are often in a constant battle with each other. The latest battle is seeing some of the biggest European football clubs opting for Konami rather than EA. Manchester United, Arsenal, Barcelona, Juventus, Bayern Munich and AS Roma have opted to partner with Konami thus bringing more attention to their game and taking some off FIFA. Juventus and AS Roma even refused to grant FIFA the naming licenses in their games and go by alternative names.
A photo from eFootball announcing Neymar as their newest partner Photo Courtesy of Instagram/efootball
This year, the two games have undergone wholesale changes in attempts to wow the fans as they have been accused of little to no change in prior game versions over the years. The graphics and gameplay departments of both companies have been hard at work over the past year and both have promised significant change in their subsequent games.
For FIFA 22, EA have enlisted the use of Hyper Motion technology which has combined advanced 11 v 11 match capture and machine learning to give players a more advanced ‘next-gen’ feel. From their released gameplay trailer, FIFA 22 promises to have advanced player humanization which aims to mirror the communication, aggression and even emotions on the pitch between the real-life players.
A photo illustrating hyper motion flow as used in FIFA 22 Photo Courtesy of Instagram/easportsfifa
eFootball has decided to take a different route and become a Free-to-Play (F2P) game across all gaming platforms. eFootball will deliver advanced graphics and more animations than ever thanks to “Motion Matching” technology.
The fact that the game will be F2P on console, PC and mobile might give it an upper hand over FIFA 22 even though many gamers have chosen FIFA in recent years. Additionally, many will be keen on eFootball as they did not actually release a full game last year- only a season update on their previous version- and promised to unveil an improved version of the game this year.
Gamers have been favoring FIFA over eFootball in past years mostly because of the likeness between the real-life footballers and the simulations as well as the authentic names of teams. With some clubs opting to partner with Konami and the wholesale changes promised, will FIFA still have an edge over its rival?
eFootball has received a lot of praise for its in-game physics and realistic gameplay over the years, but FIFA has also greatly improved in both areas over the past few years. What is for sure is that both games have received heavy investment to give users and gamers better experiences.
A dream that has been shared by many African leaders emerged a debate between the Daystar Campuses on July 29. The motion being a united Africa is a farfetched idea that cannot be realized.
The Daystar University Peace and International Studies Student Association (DUPISSA), Daystar Debate club, and the Daystar Model United Nations club (DMUN) were the clubs that organized the debate. The debate pitted the two campuses. The Athi River students were proposing the motion while their counterparts from the Nairobi campus opposing. The opposers were led by Desmond Mwyne, Joy Kiriga, Wendy Mukiri and Jeremy Atambo. The proposers included Daisy Rono, Ghislaine Rody, Jeremy Njuguna, and Julius Kilile.
The University’s Congress speaker Noel Shimba chaired the debate. He commended the participation of the students who turned up in large numbers to witness the first debate held at the main campus.
“The motion of the day was timely and attracted many students. We thank God it managed to attract this number of students in light of Covid-19 challenges. As the speaker I am happy and hope to see more debates of this sort,” said Noel Shimba.
In attendance were: Head of Department School of Arts and Humanities Madam Sylvia Wakene, Madam Winnie Chemng’orem, Madam Esther Kibe, and the guest judge Mr George Maangi .
Mr Maangi was impressed by the teams that organized the debate, and the debaters.
“Both sides want the best for this Africa. We are not on either side but the debate is about being realistic regarding what is possible and what is not. The proposers drew their strength from the way things are and how they are going to remain for a while unless something drastic is done,” he stated.
The debate was heated with each team coming at each other in full force. When it came to them being prepared, all participants were ready with valid, and strong points. They were also ready to answer questions from the audience.
The Athi River with the Head of department Arts and Humanities, Madam SylviaPrime Wakene ane the speaker Noel Shimba. Photo Courtesy of Julius Kilile.
Jeremy Atambo one of the opposers, encouraged those present to champion for the ideals of the late Muammar Gaddafi, of having an Africa for Africa. The proposers had language and ethnicity among their points.
“In order to understand one another when conversing, we will need one language, “Jeremy Don a proposer stated.
The opposers went ahead to counter this. They stated that language and ethnicity should not be a reason why Africa’s unity is yet to be achieved. They went ahead to quote the United States of America that despite their difference in ethnicity and language they are united.
As the judges applauded both teams for being passionate about the topic and giving their comments, Madam Esther Kibe said, “Our shared fate as Africans must be tied so close together from a point of individualism and not just the leadership aspect.”
The judges used the following criteria to decide on a winner. They scrutinized organization and clarity, use of arguments, use of examples and facts, use of rebattle from different teams. Also the tone of voice and use of non-verbal communication.
“This debate has demonstrated our potential that is yet to be tapped. We will be doing this more and watch this space, “Madam Sylvia Wakene said.
The opposers emerged victorious after garnering 879 points with the proposers coming second with a total of 830 points. The Athi river team promised to come back, bigger, better, and take the trophy home next time, while the champions look forward to defend their trophy in the next battle field.
The Daystar University Congress held their first sitting on July 28, three months after their election into office. In unison, they have strived to build relationships among students, the administration and staff.
The Congress had six motions set. All committee chairpersons had a chance to present their reports to the house. They also addressed Daystar Installment Fee. This came about after grievances from students regarding their student portals being closed early hence making it hard for them to submit assignments, access class notes or hold forums. The congress advised that instead of closing portals, the school could let students do their exams and if their fee balance is not paid, they offered the solution of the student to get exempted from beginning a new semester. This would help students graduate on time, instead of having to redo the course again.
“The congress sitting was important because through the reports we got to see the work of the different committees,”said the Congress clerk Eunice Siameto.
It was sad to notice the communication committee was not represented. According to the DUSA constitution, this is the committee in charge of the association’s publications, developing and maintaining the association’s website, running opinion polls on issues of interests to the association, publicizing the activities of the association among others.
The audit committee presented the proposed budget by the treasurer but went ahead to state that they are yet to receive a printed version of the budget from the treasurer, Madam Wambui Njoroge.
The clubs and associations committee has worked hand in hand with Campus Governors in reviving the various clubs on both campuses. The clubs that they have managed to revive so far include: the debate club, Daystar University Peace and International Studies Students Association, Daystar Model United Nations club among others.
The events management committee have had their best foot forward having hosted the Daystar Talanta event in both campuses.
The Congress also debated on gaining support from the administration on student activities. This included monetary funds, getting access to school resources and overall recognition of student’s activities.
Congresswoman Daisy Rono, representing the school of arts and humanities, raised a grievance of miscommunication of funds allocated for student activities. Other school representatives too were concerned and felt that they were given a cold shoulder by the administration.
Inclusion of people with disabilities in the constitution was also discussed. They acknowledged and supported inclusion of mental health. They wished people with depression, anxiety, PTSD, should be acknowledged and given priority.
The Congress will have their next sitting is in October 1.
In a week packed with endless assignments and group problems to tackle as lecturers desperately honor their end of semester, last-minute-rush, tradition to complete their remaining course works, I wouldn’t miss Daystar Talanta for anything.
The amphitheater was prepped up for the event on July 22, and the podium beckoned for all who had been bitten by the showbiz bug to ascend it. Blue and yellow balloons adorned every pillar in the hall and some even made their way onto the stage where the stars would make their debuts.
The flowing black background gave the stage a dignified look as cobalt blue and golden ribbons clung to it like stars in the night sky. The perfect arena for the perfect night!
Sadly, the audience was a killjoy. I couldn’t help but pity the MCs who constantly screamed into their microphones to grab the stone crowd’s attention. Their reward was only one or two shouts from the female audience.
It took an eternity for the performances to start and when they did, my adrenaline flowed in jets. The audience must have been experiencing the same since their enthusiastic roars, coupled with the Afro-beat music, kept me from hearing my own shrill.
A dance group had slid its way into the stage and even my hard-to-impressed nature had to admit it was real talent. The next performance was spoken word which was performed in the most sophisticated voice my ears had ever had the pleasure of listening to. Unfortunately, I can’t remember the name of the piece but it touched my heartstrings so deeply I doubt I will sleep poorly again.
Only three performances stood out for me the most. The screams from the audience seemed to judge the performance long before the actual judges gave their take on the performance. It was obvious even to the dumbest fellow who would take the day and it was going to be a queen. The first one that impressed me was the dance crew led by the happy-footed chap whose alias is Patrobus. As I remarked earlier, that was real talent!
The second one was the spoken word by the lady of the sophisticated voice. As a future teacher of English, I was in utter disbelief. Such grammar and articulation obviously deserved a prize. The audience however willed it to someone else; which brings me to my third performance. Shirlene is her name. They went wild before she even set foot on the stage. Her melodious voice seemed to enchant them as they showered her with cheers and chanted her name. That damsel can sing!
The excitement reached a crescendo when controversial superstar, Eric Omondi, made a surprise appearance on the podium. His fashion style I will not discuss since I am a fashion illiterate. One daring damsel even took to the stage to ask for a selfie with him. Before the icon left, he played philanthropist and donated about 65,000 shillings to support two upcoming bands. One can only pray they grab the opportunity to reach the stars since fortune knocks once.
Deshcare International also got a presentation on stage and I must say I will join them for the sanitary pads drive at Kibera informal settlement in Nairobi this weekend. I can hardly wait! The next performances boasted male soloists singing to the tune of skilled guitarists. The refreshments arrived just as the clock struck 11 PM. After a few solo performances, Noah Distributors and Horis Delivery, two business start-ups by Daystar students, gave video presentations of their services and I must say, I was greatly intrigued to try them and promote homegrown businesses.
Time didn’t seem to matter anymore even as midnight approached. My mind was still unchanged though but the rest of the audience had made up their mind. I am sure the judges had too. The eye witness I had left behind to watch the event till its completion later informed me what i already knew. The last dance crew had floored the rest of their competition to bag 30,000 shillings. I do rather apologize to you, dear reader, for failing to mention the names of the lion-hearted youths that awed us with raw talent this evening. I was unfortunately forced into the back of the amphitheater where I could hardly hear those wielding the microphones.
I speak for the rest of the audience when I say ‘Daystar has talanta’.
As the NIV Bible 1Peter, 4:10-11 says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.”
Held on Wednesday, July 28 at the Nairobi Auditorium with the weather setting the mood; the show began. “Daystar Talanta is a platform that allows one to showcase their talents, skills, abilities, and brands that are morally acceptable,” said M.C. Cepha as he kicked off the event.
The pompous event held vibrancy and warm shares by supporting your friends who are talented by simply being there and a good platform to showcase one’s talents, skills, passions, and even brands because that’s how you build as an individual.
There were several performances by those who had signed up as well as from those who were in the audience and felt they had something to showcase. There was dancing both solo and group performances in no particular order, including the special guest of the day, Flirty Carlos and his crew who gave a ground-shaking performance, and our very own Steve, G Tabby, and Rodgers.
We heard poets exceptionally skilled in spoken word either as solo artists like Himelda Mugambi, Clay Otunga, or as the famed duo: Joel Mumo and Kevin Mulela. A Paulo and Paula story in the form of a spoken word, worship song by Oscar, a monologue by Abigael Mutheu, a comedy skit by Alimo Malinga, and freestyle rapping by Oti Major who got a push of support from the DUSA treasurer, Wambui Njoroge in aid of producing his music video.
Julie and Danto carried the Modelling show which was new to Nairobi as it hadn’t been present in the Athi- River event. They showcased different categories like official wear, casual wear, and the scoop of the day, the evening wear.
We had a representative, Tracy, from DeshCare International who informed us of the brand’s vision and mission and their latest initiative the sanitary towel drive in Kibera on Saturday the 31st of July 2021. Also present; were student representatives from Mount Kenya University (MKU), University of Nairobi (UoN), and our very own DUSA.
As to any event, there are misses and hits. Some of the misses were: The event started late. It was set to begin at 1:30 but instead began at 2:40 pm (1 hour & 10 minutes later). There was a lot of noise from the audience. A small section of this audience was rowdy. The general mood was a bit mellow probably because of the weather and the day of the event. The sound systems were the struggle of the day and equally so presented a lot of delays.
The event had triumphant hits such as The M.C. of the day was Cepha and he is good at it. He was engaging and had control of the crowd, thus ensuring order. The performances were the prize of the day as they were good, executed with confidence, and brought out a diverse set of talents.
The turnout overall was actually good. We had some students who would pass by after their classes and engage for a while before heading home. As a culture in most Daystar events, refreshments were served.
All in all, God made us all different. That’s great because together, all of us make up the kingdom. God wants you to use your unique role in the body of Christ to glorify Him. So, if God made you an amazing singer, sing for Him. If your talent is a little less conventional—maybe you’re good with numbers or with writing code—then find a way to translate that into a job or volunteer work for a God-honouring company or ministry. Use your God-given abilities to reach those who don’t know Him—and give Him the credit for your talents.
Falcons side celebrate scoring a goal in league match.
Falcons produced a masterclass performance that saw them win 3-1 against derby rivals Daystar City at the Bethel grounds on July 24.
Daystar City took an early lead through Abubakar Omondi but failed to hold to it as Nigerian Victor Atta and Lorenzo put Falcons ahead a few minutes later. Valentine Omondi won a penalty late in the first half, scoring Falcon’s third and his first goal of the season.
“The game was easy. We conceded the first goal but we put our heads up and managed to equalise, found the second goal and I thank God for my first goal of the season which was our third,” said Valentine Omondi.
Daystar Falcons captain Barrack Khaseke in a post-match interview said the team was in good form recording a three match winning streak. He is convinced that with no injury to keep players out, the current team can perform well in the KUSA and FKF leagues. He further urged the administration to look into the challenges faced by the teams which include a poor state of facilities for both indoor and outdoor games.
City Captain Ken Andrew on the other hand was positive with the loss and is convinced they will be back better. He was backed by team manager and Nairobi campus Governor Brian Zaza Achoka, who insisted that his team lost due to some defensive errors and not because the opponents were at their best.
Boniface Mutuku, falcons’ head coach while speaking to the Daystar press applauded his boys for the win. The coach recalls City scoring in the first minutes due to mistakes after which the falcons rectified scoring three goals in the quick succession. He adds that second half was tough, as the team failed to capitalize on goal scoring opportunities.
The coach further pointed out that players get affected by fatigue, citing a scenario where the team has had to play seven games in the last two weeks.
“Actually as we come to the end of KUSA, my boys will have a little rest because we may be playing one or two matches in a weekend and that will be a little bit okay,” says coach Mutuku.
KUSA Secretary General Nairobi congress Muli Muluta states that it has been challenging for league teams with two games every weekend as it is tiring for players as some have to play in both games. Mr. Muluta acknowledged the challenges caused by the pandemic, with new rules being incorporated to mitigate it.
