Front row from left  Prof. Godfrey Nguru, Rev Dr .Donald Smith  and Dr. Jane Awiti among other former Daystar University faculty and staff at Rev. Dr. Donald Smith's residence at the Main Campus Athi River.
By Victoria Mumbi

On Saturday, July 5, 2025, former faculty and staff members of Daystar University gathered in a reunion as they visited the University’s Co-founder Rev. Dr. Donald Smith, at his Athi River Campus residence.

The team comprised some 13 long-serving former faculty and staff of Daystar University, among them the Second Vice Chancellor, Prof. Godfrey Nguru (1985-1999; 2004-2009), former University Registrar, Mrs. Nkita Arao (1987-2012), Former Faculty members, School of Communication Rev. Dr. Jane Awiti (1979- 2018), Dr. Rebecca Ng’ang’a (1996-2024), Mrs. Purity Kiambi (1997-2023), Mrs. Anna Githaiga, Rev. Dr. Daniel M’Mutungi, Mrs. Lucy Njoroge-M’Mutungi, Ms. Esther Nyamboki (1986-1997), Dr. Jonathan Ekambi (1992-2022), Mr. Zablon Muyela, Ms. Elizabeth Yegon, Mrs. Nancy Mwakale, and Mr. Edward Macharia.

The visitors were received by the Corporate Affairs and Marketing Manager, Mrs. Damaris Kimilu, who escorted them to Dr. Smith’s residence and later conducted a Campus tour.

The meeting began with introductions, as guests reflected on life after serving at Daystar University. Many expressed gratitude for the University’s formative role in shaping their careers and faith journeys.

Rev. Dr. Smith urged the group to remain prayerful and to trust in God’s guidance. He further encouraged them to continue interceding for Daystar University, reminding them of the importance of faith in fulfilling the University’s mission. He concluded with a prayer of blessing over the former faculty and staff.

Speaking at the gathering, Prof. Godfrey Nguru thanked Dr. Smith for his role in starting Daystar University. “We honor you before we honor Daystar University. Daystar would not be, if you did not start Daystar Communications,” said Prof. Nguru.

Prof. Nguru noted that his joining Daystar University in 1985 was a calling from God. The Second Vice Chancellor, also appreciated the opportunity the visit presented by enabling the former staff to meet again.

On her part, Rev. Dr. Jane Awiti, who retired as a Senior Lecturer in the School of Communication, likened Dr. Smith to Father Abraham, saying that what he started in Daystar University has spread in Kenya and beyond. Rev. Dr. Awiti observed that when Dr. Smith co-founded Daystar University, he did more than just establish an institution; he started a good thing which has benefited many nations.

Speaking at the same gathering, Dr. Rebecca Ng’ang’a expressed deep gratitude for the impact Daystar University has had on her life, and encouraged her fellow former faculty and staff to uphold the spirit of unity and fellowship. “Dr. Smith is a testimony of God’s blessing,” she said.

Mrs. Purity Kiambi also expressed deep gratitude to Daystar University, “The mission of Daystar University is unique. Daystar was home to me.  This is where I grew spiritually;  all my children went through Daystar University,” she said.

Dr. Jonathan Ekambi, who worked in Human Resource and ICT departments reminded those present that every person has a mission to fulfil before they exit the earth. “I served Daystar University with a lot of joy” he said.

The reunion was more than a meeting; it was a moment of spiritual reflection and gratitude.

The visit concluded with presentation of gifts to Dr. Smith, by Mrs. Nkita Arao on behalf of the team and others who did not make it. As she presented the gifts, Mrs. Arao observed that Daystar University has always been home for her, and Daystar people are her people. She appreciated the former faculty and staff for their role in making Daystar what it is today. “You people have all contributed to building Daystar University,” she said.  

The visit concluded with a guided campus tour which included the poultry farm, the David Musau Mumama Learning Complex, new Chapel site, the Heroes’ Corner, and the School of Nursing.