SeekING God for the SemeSter

As is the tradition every semester, Daystar University faculty, staff and students interrupted normal business, on Thursday February 29, 2015, to seek God in prayer, for the January semester. Prayers were held on both Nairobi and Athi River campuses.

The guest preacher for the Athi River campus was Pastor, Ambrose Nyangao, Senior Pastor Nairobi Baptist Church. With reference to the story of creation in Genesis 1:3, Pst. Ambrose said there is power in spoken word. “For six days God kept talking and things happened.

Networking-in-Heels

28th February 2015 Jacaranda Hotel Nairobi

talent Show “Jinyime Asome”

March 7, 2015

Creative Academy

Every Saturday, Nairobi Campus

January 2015 / Issue 02

THE DAYSTAR UN IVERS I TY WEEK LY

Staff, faculty and students deep in prayer during the Prayer Day event held at the Nairobi Baptist Church next to the Valley Road Campus, Nairobi.

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If you talk, things will happen, but it matters what you say,” said Pst. Ambrose. Describing Jesus as a communicator, Pst Ambrose further said when Jesus spoke eyes were opened, life was restored and things changed.

As he gave the benediction, DVC Academic Affairs, Prof. James Kombo lauded Pst. Ambrose for preaching a powerful sermon. “I have heard Pst. Ambrose preach before, but this was exceptional,” he said. Prof. Kombo further said that when he sees young people spending the whole day in prayer, he is sure that even if he retired, the work of God would be carried on.

The day culminated with celebration of Holy Communion officiated by Rev. Mutinda Musyimi. Quoting Mark 14:13-15, Rev Musyimi said the elements should remind us that God wants us to give ourselves to him without reservations.

Meanwhile in the Nairobi Campus the speaker for the day was Canon Micah Amukobole, of All Saints Cathedral. He

gave an inspiring sermon that shed light on interpersonal communication. He discussed the benefits of cultivating interpersonal communication, and said it must be practiced at Daystar University. “We need good interpersonal communication skills in order to achieve a climate of trust, openness and honesty,” said Canon Amukobole. He further added that we are all made for a noble profession and should therefore have noble values. Canon Amukobole is also the Founding Director of the Kenya Bible Translation and Literacy, board member of SIL International and an Associatte Consultant with CORAT Africa.

Later the congregation celebrated Holy Communion after which the University Vice Chancellor Dr. Timothy Wachira gave the last words for the day, as he blessed the congregation.

Prayers for the Evening programme will be held on Friday 30, 2015

The congregation in Athi River campus pray earnestly during the prayer day. Lifting hands is Pastor Ambrose Nyangao, Snr. Pastor, Parklands Baptist Church

CreAtIve’S ACAdemy 2015 Launched

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The Creative’s Academy 2015 edition was officially launched on Saturday 24th January 2015 at the DAC Auditorium, Nairobi Campus.

Among the guests were renowned authors, Ken Walibora, Henry Ole Kulet and Muthoni Likimani, motivational speakers, Bonnie Kim and Churchill Winstones and stage writer, John-Sibi Okumu.

The program was officially launched by cutting of cake by the University Vice-Chancellor, Dr Timothy Wachira, legendary writers, Muthoni Likimani and Henry Ole Kulet.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr. Timothy Wachira welcomed the participants to Daystar University and commended Dr. Wandia and her team for the good work they are doing. The panel session, which featured Muthoni Likimani and Henry Ole Kulet was moderated by Julie Gichuru of Citizen TV. The panellists challenged the audience to read more of local books; written by fellow Kenyan writers, in order to learn from them and contextualize their stories. “There is a lot of writing about history and few readers which is why people don’t know their history”

said Muthoni Likimani. On his part, Henry Ole Kulet said money should not be the motivation for writing. “Money will come but should not be the motivation,” he said.

Kaka Sam, a Communication student and a Kiswahili enthusiast encouraged the writers to write in Swahili. He also requested those who have written books in English language to permit Swahili writers to translate them to Kiswahili, seeing that the larger Kenyan population does not understand English language.

During the tea break the writers got a chance to interact and share ideas with those present.

Creatives Academy is a writing workshop that takes students through the career prospects and opportunities available to people who write well. It is facilitated entirely by guests from the publishing and media industries and government agencies. The class takes place every Saturday morning in the Valley Road campus, and is open to members of the public. More details are available at www.creativesacademy.wordpress.com.

Henry Ole Kulet (Left), Muthoni Likimani (centre) and Dr. Timothy Wachira (right) cut a cake during the launch of Creatives Academy.

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FACulty And Staff Interact Over Tea

The Corporate Affairs department held a high tea for faculty and staff dubbed “Vice Chancellor’s” Tea, in Athi River Campus on January 16, 2015, and Nairobi Campus on 23, 2015.

The purpose of this event was to enhance relationships amongst Daystar faculty, staff and senior management.

Both events were attended by the Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Timothy Wachira and DVC Academic Affairs, Rev. Prof. James Kombo, DVC Finance and Administration, Mr. Jomo Gatundu, Deans of schools, members of management board, faculty and staff.

The Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Charles Kilonzo, who is also the Corporate Affairs Manager, encouraged people to interact with one another and to ensure that they got to know someone they did not know before. The event gave an opportunity for faculty and staff to interact with one another, in a free environment over a cup a tea. This was followed by question and answer session, where faculty and staff asked questions regarding the University and shared ideas. The new members of staff were also given a chance to introduce themselves.

In his brief remarks the Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Timothy Wachira said receiving new students is receiving responsibility. “By the time they complete their studies, we should be able to stand before God and say that we have done our part,” said Dr. Wachira. He commended the faculty and staff for their commitment to Daystar University and for showing a sense of responsibility especially during the August semester when the roads were impassable, and faculty and staff had to walk to campus to administer exams and work. The DVC Finance and Administration elaborated on the developments taking place within the Lukenya area. He encouraged faculty and staff to take advantage of the situation and invest in the area, seeing that Lukenya was developing at high speed; with multimillion investments coming up. On his part the DVC Academic Affairs, Rev. Prof. Kombo thanked faculty and staff for leadership they have continued to render to students. “We should make it our goal to know one another in order to build a community, he said.

The staff commended the Corporate Affairs department for organizing the event and called for more of such in the future.

DVC Academic Affairs Rev. Prof. James Kombo (center) shakes hands with Daniel Lusaka, a staff in Finance department during the VC’s tea

reception, at the Athi River campus.

Vice Chancellor. Dr. Wachira shares a light moment with Dean School of Communication Language and Performing Arts Prof. Levi Obonyo, during the VC’s tea reception outside the DAC in Valley Road campus.

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lPt gives New Year Blessings to daystar mulandi School

Lukenya Pillars of Transformation in liaison with Daystar University donated textbooks, teacher guidebooks and mattresses to Daystar Mulandi Primary School on Friday January 23rd 2014.

According to the Executive Director, Lukenya Pillars of Transformation, Harriet Njuguna, the aim of the donation was to improve the welfare of the Lukenya children, and to tap into the potential that has not yet been utilized. “The performance of the school in last year’s KCPE national exams is enough proof of the potential these children have,” said Miss Njuguna. “We plan to do our level best in providing support for the school,” she added.

The School Head Teacher, Ms Pauline Manga, revealed that last year standard eight pupils performed very well. They garnered a mean score of 303 out of 500 marks, and were

ranked second in the District. “Our target is to become number one in the District, this year” she said, adding that the donation of books is a big boost to achieving this target.

In her vote of thanks to Daystar University and to Lukenya Pillars of Transformation, she acknowledged the consistent support that has been given to the school by Daystar community. “My pre-school kids will now sit and sleep peacefully and not in uncomfortable tables and desks like before,” she said, after receiving the donation of mattresses. She further called upon well-wishers and sponsors to come out in big numbers and help the school.

Daystar Mulandi’s Head Teacher (Far Right) Receives a Mattress from LPT Director Harliet Njuguna, as other staff members and enthusiastic pupils look on.

“My pre-school kids will now sit and sleep peacefully and not in

uncomfortable tables and desks like before.”

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DASREMO “Jinyime Asome” Talent Show

Corporate Affairs department in partnership with Daystar Students Resource Mobilization (DASREMO), Nairobi Chapter is organizing a Talent Show themed, “JINYIME ASOME”.

The show which will take place on Saturday March 7, 2015 will bring together artists from across the country.

According to the Resource Mobilization officer, Coretta Ndunda, Daystar University is experiencing an increase in the number of students who are unable to fund their university education. As a result they take longer than usual, (sometimes 2-4 years to complete one year). It is for this reason that DASREMO saw the

need to come up with the Talent Show, to raise funds to assist such students. “We look forward to partnering with each one of you and your friends to keep a student in class,” said Coretta.

The show will feature various talents including, singing, dancing, comedy and acting. Through this event, the department targets to raise Kshs.10 million.

DASREMO is a student initiative that works under the resource mobilization office, based at the Nairobi campus. They came together to find ways to raise funds to help fellow students. Athi River students have a similar initiative called DUREMO.

duAA networking forum for ladies

Daystar University Alumni Association (DUAA) is planning to hold a networking forum for ladies on Saturday February 28th, 2015, at Jacaranda Hotel, Westlands, starting from 8am to 12.30pm.

.The event whose theme is “being the cut above the rest” is organized courtesy of DUAA in conjunction with Networking-In-Heels, an events organizing company, with a view of bringing

together at least 500 alumni and friends to exchange views and get-together. It will also provide opportunity for young women entrepreneurs to exchange contacts and interact with women in various sectors of business and professions.

Renowned female entrepreneurs and media personalities will be present to share some of their successes and struggles, in the journey towards building careers in their areas. The guest of honor will be mrs. margaret Ireri, Ipsos Synovate.

Daystar University alumni community is filled with inspirational leaders, creative thinkers and outstanding achievers who are making positive impact across Kenya and the world.

Tickets are going for kshs. 1,500 in advance and kshs. 2,000 at the gate. Exhibition tables will be available for interested corporate companies. For more information please visit the alumni office at the Nairobi campus.

All Daystar Alumni ladies are encouraged to attend

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We are excited to welcome the new students to Daystar University Campus libraries in Athi River and Nairobi.

• The library holds a vast collection of print information resources consisting of books, reports, academic journals, local and international magazines and newspapers. In addition, we have a growing pool of multi-media resources which includes: CDROM’s, DVD’s, VCD’s, and Audio tapes in various subject areas.

• Most exiting, the library is rapidly trending into the vast and seamless world of digital information. Our Students have access to thousands of electronic resources consisting of e-books and e-journals.

Training of patrons at the Multimedia section is carried out continuously particularly to ensure effective utilization of e-resources

You are welcome to register for training any time at our Multimedia Section in any of our Campus libraries. You can also borrow an e-reader or a netbook within the library to access our online resources

For the new students, please ensure that you have gone through the library orientation to enable you to register as a member.

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Athi River Campus

Date: 3nd February 2015 DCF Chapel - Ephantas Kiriamiti Topic: Students, Social Media and Cyber-bullying

Service Providers’ Chapel: Workplace Bullying Speaker: Mr. Mutanda/ Rev MusyimiVenue: ICT Theatre

Date: 5th February 2015 Bible Study

Sunday ServiceDate: 8th February, 2015

Speaker: Pst. Solomon Sila

Topic: The Difference between Praise

and Thanksgiving

Nairobi Campus

Date: 3nd February 2015

DCF Chapel - Eddah Gathoni

Topic: Students, Social Media

and Cyber-bullying

Service Providers’ Chapel:

Workplace Bullying

Venue: DAC 104

Evening ProgrammeDDCF Chapel - Eddah Gathoni

Topic: Students, Social Media and

Cyber bullying

Weekly Inspiration

Eugene Oscar (above) a Community Development Major (Nairobi Campus) has passed on. Eugene fell sick towards the end of last semester and was admitted at Coptic Hospital. Later he was transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital where he passed on.

His burial is scheduled to take place on 30th January 2015 at Milimani village, Mbita, in Nyanza. Meanwhile meetings are going on at his brother’s residence in Donholm, Nairobi. The family can be reached at 0721542741 or 0717062587.

Please keep the family in prayer.

CHAPeldIAry

Courtesy of Nuru CouNseliNg CeNtre

“true happiness... is not attained through self-gratification, but

through fidelity to worthy purpose.” By Helen Keller

Semester theme: “Doing everything for the

Glory of God” 1 Corinthians 10:31

Bereavement