Daystar extends Prof Ayiro’s leadership for another five-year term

In a letter dated March 8, 2024, the Chairman of Daystar University Council expressed the institution’s confidence in the leadership of Prof Laban Ayiro, citing the exponential growth the university has experienced over the last five years.

The Council lauded him for a sterling performance in driving the university to great heights of growth through sound strategies. “Your appointment as the Vice-Chancellor is an answered prayer, and it is our prayer that you will see this appointment as God's call to you to serve Him at Daystar University,” the letter states in part.

Since Prof Ayiro took over as the Vice-Chancellor of Daystar University on March 1, 2019, the institution has experienced phenomenal growth in student enrolment, infrastructure development, academic programmes, staff development, and environmental sustainability.

From the onset, Prof Ayiro initiated a greening campaign that has since tremendously transformed the ambience of the Main Campus in Athi River.

In terms of infrastructure, the university completed construction and equipping of Phase One of the School of Nursing Complex with modern simulation labs, surgical units, nursing skills labs, and reproductive health facilities, and relocated the School of Law to the Main Campus from Nairobi Campus to accommodate the growing number of students.

In addition, the on-going construction of David Musau Mumama Learning Complex (DMMLC) will provide teaching and learning spaces for the School of Law and additional learning facilities for the other schools.

Among the key renovations that were undertaken is the refurbishing of the University Library (Agape) at the Main Campus, making it one of the best in the continent. Other areas renovated are the gym and student hostels. The Shine FM Radio Station and communication studios were also furnished with the state-of-the-art equipment.

On the academic front, Prof Ayiro launched a marshall plan for postgraduate students, supported by a robust Thesis Management System (TMS) to facilitate timely completion of their studies. The improved completion rate continues to attract more postgraduate students to the university. Student numbers have soared from less than 4,000 to 7,000. Additionally, new academic programmes have been launched, namely Master of Education in Leadership and Policy Studies (MEDLPS), PhD in Development Studies, PhD in Business Administration, Master’s in Clinical Psychology (MCP), BA in Public Relations, MSc in Economics, MSc in Nursing Education, and Certificate and Diploma in Agriculture.

More developments on the academic front include an Open, Distance and e-Learning (ODeL) Centre accredited by the Commission for University Education in 2022 as a third campus of the university; and the introduction of Problem Based Learning (PBL), an innovative learner-centred approach that has ignited studies as the university prepares for the intake of CBC students effective 2029.

Furthermore, through various university networks, Prof Ayiro has been able to attract grants and scholarships for a good number of students at the institution. On the area of research, several researches have been completed as more continue. Other initiatives such as faculty trainings in research and grant-writing, and vibrant knowledge dissemination through conferences and public lectures, are ongoing.

In the next five years, Daystar University is poised to break new grounds of growth.

While casting his vision for his new term, Prof Ayiro said: “We are on the verge of a new defining moment that will see us make significant contributions to research, knowledge dissemination, manpower training, and community service; and strengthen the spiritual and character formation of the university, given the existential realities facing us.

“We will also be putting-up infrastructure for the School of Mission and Theology (SMT), namely classrooms, an information resource centre and a house of worship; and laying foundations for the School of Medicine and the School of Engineering. We project to grow student enrollment to 10,000 and expand collaborations and partnerships.”

About Daystar University

Daystar University is a Christ-centred non-denominational institution of higher learning that equips Christian servant leaders for the transformation of church and society.

Vision

“A distinguished Christ-centred university of choice transforming the world through world-class, value-based education.”

Mission Statement

“To provide learners with higher education that equips them to grow spiritually and intellectually, enabling them to serve as transformational agents in their professions and give Christ-centred servant leadership in the home, church, and society.”

Ethos

Excellence:  We endeavour for excellence in education, service delivery, responsibility and scholarship. Being a Christ-centred university, we acknowledge that excellence honours God and inspires human beings.

Transformation: We engage with each other in such a way that leaders and followers raise one another to higher levels of motivation and morality.

Servant-leadership: We strive to practise servanthood by loving and respecting others and using our positions of influence to build others. We strive to serve one another with humility and purpose, irrespective of position.

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For detailed information about Daystar University, go to https://www.daystar.ac.ke/.