By Debra Shirako

[Athi River Campus: September 8, 2025] Daystar University Main Campus, Athi River  bustled with activity, as new students, reported to for the Orientation week accompanied by their parents, guardians and other family members.

The guests received a memorable warm welcome from the Orientation Team, who later escorted them to the David Musau Mumama Learning Complex (DMMLC),  for the Vice Chancellor’s, official address.

The DMMLC Auditorium and the overflow dome were full to capacity as the parents, and the new students attentively followed the Vice Chancellor’s address, and key statements from other university officials.

The program began with lively performances by renowned vocalist Ms. Hellen Mtawali and the Afrizo Band.

The Vice Chancellor Prof. Laban Ayiro formally welcomed the new students and their parents, affirming the University’s commitment to offer a value-based education rooted in faith and character.

“Education [at Daystar University] is not just about knowledge, but transformation into Christlikeness,” he said, adding that Daystar University cares about both the mind and character.

 “It is our desire that you grow from values to virtues, becoming leaders marked by integrity, courage, excellence, and service,” he said.

The Vice Chancellor also highlighted the University’s upcoming projects including the construction of the University chapel and establishment of a Spatial AI and Digital Transformation platform, the first of its kind in the region, that is designed to enhance learning in line with emerging global technologies.

Additional remarks were delivered by Ag. DVC ARSA, Dr. Dinah Keino, who encouraged students to embrace curiosity and focus, while urging parents to remain actively involved in their children’s education.

“From the Library to student services, Daystar University has everything you need to thrive,” was Dr. Keino’s assurance to the new students.

On his part, the Ag. DVC FAP, Dr. Daniel Robert Aswani assured parents and students that the University had sufficient infrastructure in place to make their stay comfortable. “You have joined a university that not only shapes lives but also build spaces where dreams can thrive,” he said, further adding that “At Daystar University we believe that God guides our lives, our planning and our learning”

Giving the devotion, the University Chaplain Rev. Miano Weche drew from the hymn “We’re Marching to Zion” to liken the students’ entry into Daystar to a continuation of a lifelong journey:

“Coming to Daystar is not an arrival, but a continuation of a journey whose beginnings were from far,” he reflected. Rev. Weche invited his listeners to reflect on three questions if they are to travel meaningfully: Where are you coming from? Where are you are at now? And where are you going? He noted that the answers to these questions, in light of Christ, will keep the students from wandering aimlessly through life.”

The meeting concluded with a question-and-answer session moderated by the Dean of Students, Rev. Mutinda Musyimi, giving parents the opportunity to  clarify issues and concerns.

Orientation week  culminated with a Sunday service on September 14, 2025, at the Main Campus, paving way for commencement of classes for the September Trimester, on Monday, 15th September.