[Nairobi, Tuesday September 24, 2024] Earlier this week, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Laban P. Ayiro held separate meetings with teaching and non-teaching staff to set the tone for the new semester.  The VC met with lecturers on Monday 23rd September and administrative staff on Tuesday 24th September.  Classes for the new semester began on 16th September.

The Vice Chancellor acknowledged the contribution of each faculty and staff member towards bringing Daystar University to where it is today.

He urged teaching staff to support and build trust with students and colleagues, be empathic, compassionate, and exercise social justice in the course of duty. 

He also called for authenticity in living personal values and beliefs, as well as embrace the virtues of sacrifice, commitment and servanthood.

Prof. Ayiro lauded the School of Nursing and School of Law for high enrolment this September, noting that they can pay back investments put in their respective infrastructure development. Phase 1 of the School of Nursing Complex was commissioned for use last year, while construction of the David Musau Mumama Learning Complex for School of Law is ongoing.

On September 24, the VC held a similar meeting with non-teaching staff. In his address, the VC urged Administrative staff to uphold the University’s values even in challenging times, promote a positive image of the University both internally and externally, and to collaborate with colleagues and management for the greater good of the University.

“If you commit yourself in the space God has given you, He will lift you up in a special way,” said the VC.

On her part the DVC ARSA Prof. Faith Nguru encouraged faculty and staff to view their work in Daystar University as ministry, which she said calls for sacrifice.

“We have been called to serve God in Daystar, and God uses us in the areas of our calling,” said Prof. Nguru as she outlined the guidelines to be followed by Faculty as the semester kicks off.

Prof. Nguru reminded non-teaching staff that they are the face of the University because it is to their offices that students come for help. In that regard, she called on them to create a nurturing space for all students at all levels.

“Students are our key constituents; their wellbeing is important and all of us have a role to play,” she said.

The DVC FAP, Prof. Muturi Wachira reiterated the importance of every Daystar University employee.

Prof. Wachira revealed that with the current challenge of student accommodation, the University had suspended some projects to urgently put up student hostels at the Main Campus Athi River. He also notified Faculty and staff that Management was working towards ISO certification, noting that this will improve efficiency and create a customer-centric culture in the University.

The Chief Manager-HR Mr. Pius Muia called for loyalty and commitment, and urged non-teaching staff to observe working hours in order to serve students when they need help.  

The Chair of Senior Staff Association of Daystar University (SSADU), Mr. Jimna Waweru, urged faculty and staff to pray for the University, noting that if Daystar prospers, they too will prosper.

Mr. Waweru thanked the Management Board for taking action on staff welfare concerns raised last year, including salary reviews and remittance of statutory deductions.

On her part, the Chair of the Daystar University General Staff Association (DUGSA), Mrs. Shifrah Ndung’u expressed gratitude to the VC and Management Board, noting that most staff welfare issues raised in December 2023 had been addressed. She however, called for resumption of annual salary increment for Faculty and staff.

The VC and Senior Management’s address to Faculty and staff, set in motion the pace for the September 2024 semester.