The Man, The Legend Walter Nalwa
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- Daystar University
- 10 Nov, 2023
By Samuel Owino
At
the center of a youthful place, full of life, energy and determination, there
stands a figure whose presence cannot only be felt but also seen. A leader who
has navigated the turbulent waters of governance with determination; Walter
Nalwa, is a name associated with humility, and servant leadership. In this
profile we dive into his life and legacy, seeking to understand the driving
force behind the leader who has set an example for the leaders after him, and a
tough challenge to fill his shoes.
Walter
Nalwa was born into a humble Christian family in western Kenya. As the first
born of four siblings, the family instilled a lot of responsibility on him from
a young age. However, being the first born was not the only thing that carved
responsibility into his being.
Growing
up, Walter Nalwa and his family did not have much money to help them move on in
life comfortably. With bursaries and a strong family, including a grandmother
who relentlessly prayed day and night enabled him to go through primary and secondary
school in Sangusa primary school and Homa Bay high school respectively.
Nalwa
entered student politics at a time when Daystar University was in dire need of
efficient and bold student leaders. The backdrop of a distant gap that needed
to be closed between the students and the administration set the stage for
Walter Nalwa leadership. Walter Nalwa emerged as a responsible, divergent, and
youthful leader who made sure that the students’ needs were addressed.
Nalwa’s
first breakthrough in the field of student politics came when he was elected
the main campus governor in 2021. This election set him up to put Daystar
University at another level and be an example to others. His determination did
not stop there as after serving as Campus Governor for a year, he won the
student presidency almost seamlessly due to his proven record of good
leadership. As a leader, he championed various things such as bargaining with
the administration not to raise tuition fees and starting a tree nursery in the
main campus in Athi River.
Even
before having an official leadership title, Walter Nalwa showed that he could
serve diligently as he cared for the needs of the students and displayed
humility that set him apart in the eyes of the students and the administration.
Nalwa
is often described as a tough and bold leader who does not take his leadership
lightly and one who can be counted on to complete tasks. His toughness has
enabled him to prove to even those who have doubted him that he can face the
toughest of situations. This trait has provided him with the opportunity to
walk into rooms that he could not have even thought of before. In addition, he
has this ability to make people around him to feel safe and that even the
impossible could be possible.
Another
aspect of his personality is his optimism in life and in everything that he does.
He has a sense of spreading this optimism to those he interacts with as many
fellow students testify. “I have met Nalwa on several occasions, he is always
calm, very optimistic. I met him when the administration wanted to increase
fees. As tough as the situation was, he was ever optimistic that he would get
the administration to tone it down.” Mapesa, a fourth- year law student says.
A
deep sense of integrity towards leadership cannot go without saying. Walter
Nalwa always held a deep sense of integrity and did everything in openness and
inclusivity. When students and his fellow leaders ever questioned what he was
doing, he was ever kind to explain it to them and even made them trust him that
he has the best for them at heart.
Besides
student politics and his schoolwork, Walter enjoys sports, all sports in fact.
When he wants to relieve stress, Walter Nalwa plays football among other games.
He has confessed that sports have helped him know the value of teamwork,
enhanced his emotional intelligence, teamwork and decision making.
Other
things he enjoys doing are debating and watching sports. In essence, his
personality, and his traits outside of leadership contribute majorly to his role
as a leader. All of this blends beautifully to bring out the exemplary leader
we know.
He
confided that it was not easy to complete his studies. At one time he had to
defer his studies, worked in construction sites and work-study programmes to
raise his fees and upkeep.
As
he prepares to graduate in November this year, Walter cannot wait for what the
future has in store for him. He says he plans to do a master’s degree to
increase his capacity, to transform his family, community, and his country
Kenya. Given the history as a student leader, it is no doubt that he will excel
in his endeavors, as he says, “that is what Daystar will do to you”.
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