• Daystar University
• 10 Nov, 2023

Rev. Dr. Patrick Musembi

In 2023, the School of Arts and Social Sciences has achieved significant progress on various fronts, and various organizations. One prominent example is the MOU with the Emerging Leaders Foundation (ELF), initiated by the Department of Education. This strategic partnership aims to support and empower young women and men, facilitating their meaningful and impactful participation in governance, economy, and public marking a momentous year in our academic journey. We are delighted to announce that this year, we are graduating a total of 240 graduands, a testament to our commitment to academic excellence and growth. Looking ahead, we have ambitious plans to further increase this number in the coming year, with a particular focus on expanding the cohort of postgraduate graduands by 50 percent.

Our dedication to meeting the ever-evolving needs of the market is exemplified by our rigorous programme reviews. Notably, we have transformed the Bachelor of Arts (BA) programme in Peace and Conflict Transformation into a blended programme. This adaptation provides an accessible option for those who may be unable to attend traditional face-to-face classes, ensuring inclusivity and flexibility in our educational offerings. Furthermore, our BA programme in International Relations and Security Studies has been enhanced by the inclusion of a practicum component. This valuable addition enables our students to bridge the gap between theory and practical experience, equipping them with real-world skills.

During the academic year 2022/2023, our school actively fostered partnerships and collaborations. Notably, we spearheaded the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between Daystar University affairs across all societal levels. The goals of this MOU encompass consultancy services, training and capacity building, curriculum development, resource mobilization, recruitment, provision of training and accommodation space, as well as research activities such as tracer studies, market surveys, monitoring, and evaluation.

Additionally, the Department of Peace and International Studies led the way in forging MOUs with prominent organizations, including the Global Peace Foundation and the International Relations Society of Kenya (IRSK). Our ongoing working relationships with organizations such as the Rural-Urban Empowerment Programme (RUSEP) and the Center for Multi-Party Democracy further exemplify our commitment to practical engagement and relevance in our academic pursuits.

We are also excited and eagerly anticipate the establishment of the School of Missions and Theology (SMT), which will further enrich our academic landscape and broaden our partnership with Church and society. These developments showcase our unwavering dedication to academic excellence, innovation, and societal impact.

Congratulations and May God bless you, graduands of 2023!