• 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”.