Daystar University hosts Alumni Professional Business symposium at the Nairobi Campus bringing graduates from diverse sectors.

By Timothy Oiro

[Nairobi: August 9, 2025] Anticipation and excitement filled the air as Daystar University Alumni Association convened its first Alumni Business Symposium on August 7 and 8, 2025, held at Daystar University Nairobi Campus. The event brought together business leaders, top CEOS, Alumni and current Daystar University students.

The room was adorned with digital screens which displayed the event theme: Leading in the era of disruption. The Master of Ceremony Mr. Norman Mudibo, a renowned business journalist and corporate communications expert accentuated the theme with his unique storytelling style.  

The conference attracted notable figures, among them Dr. Betty Gikonyo, Co-founder of Karen Hospital, Principal Secretary in the Department of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development, Ministry of Trade and Investments, Ms. Susan Auma Mang’eni, former Senator Hon. Samuel Poghisio, and Daystar University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Laban. P. Ayiro.

Also in attendance was Daystar University Co-Founder, Dr. Donald Smith, DUAA Global Board Chair, Dr. Anthony Mburu, Director of Daystar University Alumni Association Affairs, Dr. Leah Komen, alumni, students, faculty and staff.

Also joining via Zoom was the Director, Daystar US, Mr. Alan Cooke and a team of other notable Alumni from diaspora.

In her welcoming remarks, DUAA Director  Dr. Leah Komen acknowledged key partners who included Citizen TV, National Oil Company, Revenue Benefits Authority, BRITAM, Kenya Forest Service, Jubilee Insurance, The Nairobi Hospital, Coca-Cola company, Kenya Power and Lighting Company. 

“Disruption challenges us in different ways. As Daystar family we choose to see this symposium as [an opportunity] for co-creation and transformation,” she said.

She also thanked the University through the Vice Chancellor, for the support towards making symposium a success. Dr. Komen observed that the theme of the conference resonated well with the shifting roles and norms in the business world.

Dr. Komen stated that DUAA supports its Alma Marta through student mentorship and provision of scholarship through what they call “the last mile” fund that helps  struggling students to sit for exams. 

“I choose to see this symposium as a launch pad to unlock our potential as an alumni association,” she concluded.

The DUAA Global Board Chair, Dr. Anthony Mburu, acknowledged the uniqueness of the symposium as a platform where alumni can tell their stories. “This is not an ordinary gathering, we converge at the crossroads of thought, vision and disruption,” he said.

In her keynote address, the CEO of Karen Hospital, Dr. Betty Gikonyo, spoke about her life journey which saw her establish the Heart to Heart Foundation together with her husband to assist  children with heart conditions, and the University of Nairobi Alumni Association in 2005.

Dr. Gikonyo encouraged Daystar University Alumni to love their Alma Mater since it’s the one that has made them become who they are today.

“In the era of disruption, be adaptive to new things, without compromising your values,” she said, further underscoring the importance of adopting new methods and perspectives without compromising personal values.

On his part, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Laban Ayiro called on participants to have lowliness of mind and submit themselves to their alma mater. He called on participants to embrace servant leadership by serving others in humility.

“True greatness is found not in climbing higher but in bending lower to lift others up, which is service to mankind,” he said.

Stressing on the sentiments of the Vice Chancellor, Daystar Co-Founder Dr. Don Smith echoed that Daystar University alumni should not be too concerned with titles or careers, but service to Jesus Christ.

“We need to guide the people of God to be gentle overseers since God uses people who are humble enough to serve,” he said.

The PS, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Ms. Susan Mang’eni highlighted the strides the government has made to improve the business sector through establishment of MSMEs, including the Hustler Fund and Development Hubs, which speak to the bold spirit of innovation by the government.

She concluded by urging institutions of higher learning to establish a framework to help young people to network in business for easy integration in the industry.

Towards the tail end of day one, the event shifted to interesting panel discussions centered around tax reforms in the business world, execution of business in Kenya, and leveraging your brand and talent into currency.

One of the panel discussions was moderated by Ms. Lillian Muli, a senior and popular news anchor at Citizen TV and a Daystar University Alumnus, Class of 2005. The panel discussion featured Mr. Bernard Masiga, Founder of Wise Lead Consultancy. Beatrice Wababu -Tafari Groups Limited and Mr. George Oyugah. Their panel discussion  revealed the need for businesspeople to access capital, develop good business ideas and identify marketing opportunities.

The Director of the Royal Voice International and Daystar University alumnus, Mr. Johnson Mwakazi, moderated a panel discussion which featured Helen Mtawali and Yafesi Musoke, both performing artists.

Ms. Mtawali stated that Daystar University gave her a sponsorship and that she gives back to Daystar University through Afrizo Music Band. She also explained how she converts her talent to money. 

On the last day, Assistant Chaplain Nairobi Campus, Pastor Felix Simotwo set the tone with a sermon titled: building together in disruption. Using th illustration of Jenga Blocks, Felix stated that although each block matters, alone it can do little, but together the blocks can build something stable.

The highlight of the symposium was a panel discussion on the myths, concerns and knowledge gaps about Artificial Intelligence. The session, moderated by Mr. Karanja Nzisa, featured Dr. Bright Gameli Mawudor, CEO ofCyber Guard Africa, Prof. Nancy Booker - Dean School of Media and Communication Studies at The Aga khan University, Ms. Irene Akeyo Amenya - Tech CEO, Advancing Cybersecurity in Africa, Moses Kemibaro – CEO, Dotsavvy. The discussion urged delegates to embrace AI positively, with Mr. Gameli asserting that AI is not here to replace what humans do but to enhance it.

Mrs. Irene Amenya challenged the audience to onboard AI to do repetitive tasks in the workplace.

The symposium also featured a keynote address from Mrs. Catherine Mutisya, a consultant Psychiatrist who expounded on the importance of mental health in an organization. She urged participants to embrace the four Cs: Communicate, Connect, Concern and Care for one another in order to mitigate mental health in the workplace.

The final panel discussion was moderated by a Daystar University alumnus Mr. Omeno Suji, which  featuring Dr. Macmillan Kiiru, former Senator Hon. Samuel Poghisio, Dr. Rebecca Nganga – a seasoned Educator, and former Daystar University Registrar Mrs. Nkita Arao.

Mrs. Arao took the audience down memory lane recounting how she joined Daystar University in 1987 despite the little pay. She said that she gave Daystar University her all and that Daystar molded her to who she is today.

“I thank God for bringing me to Daystar University. I am who am because of Daystar University,” she stated, adding that she loved all students, as she also reminisced how she would host international students at her home.

Former Director of World Vision, Dr.  Macmillan Kiiru traced his success to Daystar University and World Vision. A graduate of the pioneer MA class, Dr. Kiiru talked of how his MA Thesis led to the introduction of the Community Development program at Daystar University.

On his part the, former Senator Hon. Samuel Poghisio revealed that he launched his political career from Daystar University. “Daystar University has a way of giving validation to whatever you are doing,” he said.

The DUAA Business Symposium 2025 edition was a resounding success. Everyone went away convinced that they should never forget their Alma Mater.

“In the era of disruption, Christians should Pray, step into places where there's disruption and engage with humility, equip themselves, remain steadfast, and keep the principles,” said the Deputy Chaplain, Rev. Kimacia, in closing.