DUPISSA Committee Members

By Amaune Jones

Daystar University Peace & International Studies Students Association (DUPISSA) has been relaunched.

The event, held on August 9, 2023 at Nairobi Campus DAC Auditorium was combined with a debate on the topic: China’s growing influence in Africa.

Present was the HoD, International Relations and Security Studies, Rev. Dr. Justus Musya and faculty members: Mr. George Maangi, Dr. Lona Ngirangu, Mr. David Wambulwa, Mrs. Winnie Chemng’orem, and DUSA representative, Bridget Mweseli. 

Students braved the chilly weather to witness the relaunch of DUPISSA and the heated debate drawing proposers from Nairobi Campus students and opposers from Athi River Campus students.

The auditorium was silent as the moderator stood up to introduce the debate.

At exactly 10:40 am, three opposers and two proposers took their seats.

The moderator laid out the rules and introduced the judges as the debate kicked off.

Muhammed Daud from the opposing side was of the opinion that China has done many wrongs by exploiting African countries. He gave the example of Sudan where Chinese are working to extract oil, yet they pay the Sudanese people peanuts.

“China never offers contracts to countries they give debt, yet they pay African workers poorly,” he submitted, eliciting an emotive reaction from the audience.

From the proposing side, Derick argued that Africa has benefited much from China, with 63% of Africans having been supported to improve on resources, medical care and education.

The judges gave their remarks and corrected a few errors made in the heated debate. The team of judges also provided students with answers regarding their queries or concerns.

After the debate, Daystar University Peace & International Studies Students Association (DUPISSA) was relaunched. DUPISSA officials and Faculty in the Department of International Relations and Security Studies cut a cake to relaunch the association.