Daystar University School of Nursing graduands read the pledge, receive pins and light candles,  marking their transition into professional practice.

By Victoria Mumbi

[Athi River Campus: Tuesday, November 11, 2025] The School of Nursing held the candle lighting and pinning ceremony for 231 students who were scheduled to graduate on 14th November. The ceremony, which took place at the Main Athi River Chapel service, was attended by members of management, faculty, staff, and students.

An emotional aura engulfed the air soon after the sermon as nursing graduands took to the platform to light the candles and receive the DU Nurses' pins to usher them to the profession.  Finally, they took the Nurses’ Pledge, by which they commit to adhere to the ethics and principles of the profession.

During the ceremony, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Laban P. Ayiro, reflected on the remarkable growth the School of Nursing had experienced from 50 students in 2019 to over 1,200 presently. He attributed this expansion to God’s grace and providence.

Prof. Ayiro urged the graduands to go forth with soft hearts and strong minds to serve with integrity and medical ethics. He challenged them to dream boldly, not for prestige but for purpose, not for fame but for faithfulness.  He further encouraged them to reject all forms of ethnicity, urging them to hold firmly to the teachings of Christ.

The Ag. DVC Academic, Research and Student Affairs, Prof. Samuel Muriithi, highlighted the candle lighting as a powerful symbol of transition to the nursing profession. He reminded the graduands that nursing is not merely a profession but a divine calling.

“As a Daystar University graduate, the world is waiting for you to make a difference,” he declared, urging them to uphold Christ-centeredness, integrity, and love. Prof. Muriithi also encouraged them to imitate Christ in all they do, guided by Scripture, and to serve as ambassadors of Daystar University both in Kenya and internationally.

The Associate Dean and HOD of Nursing, Ms. Keziah Kahiga, described the ceremony as the culmination of a challenging yet transformative four-year journey. She reminded the graduands that in a world dominated by technology, human touch and kind words remain the most potent tools of nursing. She emphasized that the pins and candles were sacred symbols of dedication not only to the profession but to a calling rooted in compassion and service.

“We are the patients’ voice when they cannot speak for themselves. May we use that voice with courage and integrity,” she affirmed.

The ceremony closed in a spirit of gratitude, as the University celebrated not only the academic achievements of its nursing graduands but also their commitment to a Christ-centered vocation of service, compassion, and integrity.

Nursing traditions

• The candle lighting ceremony is a rite of passage, marking the student's transition into the nursing profession by passing on the light of knowledge, compassion, and dedication. It is tributed to Florence Nightingale, the "Lady with the Lamp," and represents the students' commitment to serving and caring for others. Each student lights their candle from a common source, signifying their unity and shared responsibility to bring hope and healing to patients.

• The pinning ceremony marks the transition of the students into the nursing profession, serving as a symbolic rite of passage, a celebration of achievement, and a formal introduction to the profession's history and values.

• The pledge made during the nursing candle lighting ceremony is a modern adaptation of the Florence Nightingale solemn vow that outlines the ethical principles and commitment required for the profession.