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Daystar University DAYSTAR UNIVERSITY In April 1984, Daystar launched a four-year B.A. Daystar’s chosen faith is Christianity.
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ABOUT US

Daystar University is a Christ-centred non-denominational institution of higher learning which exists to equip Christian servant leaders for the transformation of church and society. Founded in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, as Daystar Publications in 1964, the institution was moved to Kenya in 1971 and registered as Daystar Communications, a non-profit organization in 1973 offering a five-week International Institute for Christian Communication (IICC) course. In 1976, Daystar Communications started a two-year post-high school diploma programme in Christian Communications, followed by a two-year M.A programme in Christian Communication and Christian Ministries in 1978, in collaboration with Wheaton College in Illinois, USA. degree programmed in collaboration with Messiah College in Grantham, Pennsylvania, USA and changed its name to Daystar University College. On September 29, 1994 Daystar was granted a Charter by the Government of Kenya and became Daystar University. Since then, Daystar has continued to strengthen its academic offerings, research and extension services in response to emerging societal needs. Philosophy of the University

Daystar’s philosophy, as an academic institution, is the integration of faith and learning for transformational servant leadership. Daystar believes that faith is central to the holistic development of the human being and that such integration is inescapably linked to a cultural system. Daystar University’s Christian philosophy of life and conduct, teaching, training and research, is founded on Christian principles and values based on the following Biblical Statement of faith and practice. Our Vision

A distinguished Christ -centred University of choice transforming the World through world-class, value-based education. Our 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.

09/10/2026

Over two days, the Memorial Conference brought together scholars, media practitioners and members of the public to reflect on the life and legacy of Raila Amolo Odinga.

Through keynote addresses, plenary lectures, panel discussions and research presentations, participants examined his place in Kenya’s democratic journey, his relationship with the media, his political communication and the questions his legacy leaves for future generations.

At Daystar University, remembrance went beyond celebrating a life. It created space for critical conversations about democracy, political leadership, constitutional reform and the future of Kenya.

As the conference came to a close, one thing remained clear: understanding Baba’s legacy also means reflecting on the work that remains and the role each generation must play in shaping the country’s future.

Rosemary Odinga reflected on the personal experience of sharing a father with the whole country, expressing gratitude to...
09/10/2026

Rosemary Odinga reflected on the personal experience of sharing a father with the whole country, expressing gratitude to those who continue to share their memories of Raila Amolo Odinga. She spoke of how these memories reveal different sides of her father and give the family a deeper appreciation of the connections he built with people throughout his life.

She also shared a message from her mother, Dr. Canon Ida Betty Odinga, thanking the university community for its prayers and for giving young people an opportunity to reflect on Baba’s life and legacy.

Addressing Daystar students, Rosemary encouraged them to build friendships beyond familiar circles, listen to people with different experiences and look after one another. She reminded them that the future her father cared deeply about would be shaped by their education, careers, families and service to their communities.

She concluded by thanking Daystar University for welcoming the family and remembering her father with care, adding a deeply personal note of gratitude for everyone who continues to remember him not just as a public figure, but as her dad.


Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, Governor of Kisumu County, examined Raila Odinga’s intellectual legacy and his contribution...
09/10/2026

Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, Governor of Kisumu County, examined Raila Odinga’s intellectual legacy and his contribution to Kenya’s democratic journey in a lecture titled “Democracy and the Intellectual Legacy of Raila Odinga.” He reflected on a generation for whom democracy was not an academic idea, but a struggle that demanded action and sacrifice.

Prof. Nyong’o challenged participants to look beyond celebrating democratic gains and confront the questions that remain unresolved. He asked whether Kenya had truly democratised power or merely the competition to acquire it. He also pointed to the economic realities facing ordinary citizens, arguing that democracy must improve people’s lives and that political liberation remains incomplete without economic dignity. He cautioned that meaningful political participation cannot depend excessively on wealth.

Reflecting on Raila’s Pan-African vision, Prof. Nyong’o called for African integration to translate into practical benefits for citizens through stronger institutions, infrastructure and markets. He also urged Kenyans to protect independent institutions as safeguards for democracy and to respect the republic even when electoral outcomes do not favour them.

For young people, he called for a willingness to question inherited political beliefs and bargains. He reminded participants that democratic change is a generational undertaking, and that a leader’s contribution cannot be measured only by the offices held, power acquired or elections won. Raila’s unfinished work, he argued, leaves future generations with the responsibility to carry the democratic struggle forward.


Hon. John Kiarie Waweru, MP for Dagoretti South, examined Raila Odinga’s mastery of political communication in a lecture...
09/10/2026

Hon. John Kiarie Waweru, MP for Dagoretti South, examined Raila Odinga’s mastery of political communication in a lecture titled “Raila Odinga and the Art of Making People Answer Back.” He explained how Raila gave people a role in his speeches, drawing on shared experiences and making audiences feel part of the conversation.

Reflecting on his own study of Raila’s political journey, Hon. Kiarie observed that his influence lay as much in his actions as in his words. He cited the Vijana Tugutukute initiative, which he said registered over 24 million voters, as an example of how political communication could mobilise citizens to participate in public life.

He also examined how Raila’s political journey shaped people’s sense of belonging and gave weight to his message. His contribution to the 2010 Constitution, he added, showed the importance of political communication translating into institutional and public outcomes.

Hon. Kiarie challenged future leaders to reflect on the responsibility that comes with public trust, asking: “When people have trusted your account of the struggle, how fully do you explain a change of direction?” He concluded by expressing gratitude to Raila’s family for sharing Baba with the country and described him as a master of public participation.


Day 2 of the Memorial Conference opened with Dr. Agnes Salome Owuor, from the Office of Dr. Canon Ida Betty Odinga, re...
09/10/2026

Day 2 of the Memorial Conference opened with Dr. Agnes Salome Owuor, from the Office of Dr. Canon Ida Betty Odinga, reflecting on the legacy of Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga and the responsibility that comes with carrying his vision forward. She challenged Kenyans to look beyond how the nation remembers Baba and consider the representation, hope and aspirations he left behind.

Describing Canaan as an idea rather than merely a place, Dr. Owuor spoke of a Kenya built on dignity, justice, prosperity and democracy. She recalled Raila’s commitment to constitutionalism, his belief in young people and his care for the community, urging Kenyans to carry these values into the future. She also called for a renewed commitment to Ubuntu, Umoja, Ubora and Harambee, reminding the audience that while death may end a political career, it does not necessarily end a political idea.

Dr. David Omwoyo, CEO of Media Council of Kenya, described Raila Amolo Odinga as a friend of the media and a political w...
08/10/2026

Dr. David Omwoyo, CEO of Media Council of Kenya, described Raila Amolo Odinga as a friend of the media and a political warrior whose journey was defined by resistance and a commitment to freedom. He noted that Raila did not have to seek out the media to make headlines, as journalists went to him, while his political battles did not come at the expense of media freedom.

Speaking on the changing nature of the media landscape, Dr. Omwoyo noted that press freedom today extends beyond traditional media to issues such as algorithmic bias, automated influence and instant digital public relations. He called for the protection of factual spaces and freedom of expression, noting that “press freedom is founded on one critical freedom: the freedom to annoy.”


As the media partner for the RAO 2026 Memorial Conference, Mr. Geoffrey Odundo, Chief Executive Officer, Nation Media Gr...
08/10/2026

As the media partner for the RAO 2026 Memorial Conference, Mr. Geoffrey Odundo, Chief Executive Officer, Nation Media Group, reflected on NMG’s long relationship with Kenya’s journey and its connection with Raila Amolo Odinga. He noted that the press freedoms enjoyed today are part of the democratic ideals Raila stood for, while his ability to connect with the public made him a figure the media could not ignore.

Reflecting on NMG’s coverage of Raila over the years, Mr. Odundo spoke of his use of metaphors, songs and *vitendawili* to connect with audiences, as well as his ability to engage younger generations and academic institutions. He noted that NMG’s archives hold many memories of Raila and reaffirmed NMG’s commitment to continuing its partnership with Daystar University through the conference.


Rt. Rev. Dr. Francis Omondi, Bishop, ACK Diocese of Garissa, in his keynote address on Faith, Conscience and Public Life...
08/10/2026

Rt. Rev. Dr. Francis Omondi, Bishop, ACK Diocese of Garissa, in his keynote address on Faith, Conscience and Public Life: Raila Odinga’s Legacy, reflected on Raila Odinga’s contribution to Kenya’s democratic journey. He said Raila came to symbolise resistance and democracy, with his authority emerging not from the exercise of power, but from resistance to its abuse.

Tracing Raila’s political journey from the democratic struggles of the 1990s through his later pursuit of reforms, the Bishop noted that his legacy raises important questions about inclusion, dialogue and democratic governance. He observed that political legitimacy extends beyond electoral outcomes, and that the responsibility of preserving democratic progress rests with future generations.


Prof. Samuel Muriithi, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, Research and Student Affairs, reflected on Raila Amolo Odinga’s...
08/10/2026

Prof. Samuel Muriithi, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, Research and Student Affairs, reflected on Raila Amolo Odinga’s life as a statesman and global leader, describing him as a figure who faced successive governments with courage, confidence and resilience. He noted that Raila fought for the rights of the oppressed without giving up, and described him as a man who changed Kenya without ever ruling it.

He said the RAO 2026 Memorial Conference reflects Daystar University’s commitment to future-proofing democracy through resilience, adaptation and opportunity. He added that the university seeks to play an active role in Kenya’s development by preparing transformational, godly leaders guided by integrity, transparency and strong values.


Prof. Levi Obonyo, Executive Director, African Institute of Strategic Communication (AfrISCom) and Chair, Conference Cou...
08/10/2026

Prof. Levi Obonyo, Executive Director, African Institute of Strategic Communication (AfrISCom) and Chair, Conference Council, said the RAO 2026 Memorial Conference provides an opportunity to study Raila Amolo Odinga beyond political narratives and sentiment.

He reflected on Raila’s long political journey, from his early years and political formation to his years of detention, opposition politics, electoral contests and moments of national crisis. He noted that these experiences offer important questions about leadership, political resilience, democracy, state power and Kenya’s unfinished project of national belonging.

Prof. Obonyo called for rigorous scholarship that examines both Raila’s achievements and the choices that remain open to critical inquiry, noting that studying his life is also a way of understanding Kenya’s history.


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