By Hannington Karanja

[17th November 2023, Nairobi] Daystar University has added a feather on her cap with the launch of its fourth doctoral program.

The launch of the PhD in Development Studies presided over by former Makueni County Governor, H.E. Prof. Kivutha Kibwana as the Chief Guest, attracted a large gathering of eminent scholars and renowned figures from across the country.

Prof. Kibwana expressed his deepest admiration and a profound sense of privilege to witness this milestone. He encouraged attendees to utilize the opportunity and attain relevant critical thinking skills and knowledge to make a better society and a progressive, well-functioning nation. Furthermore, he applauded the distinctiveness of Daystar University’s curriculum for integrating faith and learning.

“The University is committed to integrating faith and learning in training using the PBL (problem-based learning) approach that promotes critical thinking and helps learners to enhance problem-solving skills in their life careers. By doing so, they promote justice in society, hence making the world a better place to live in as God intended it to be.” he said.

His parting shot was a prayer that God himself would launch the Daystar University PhD development program.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academics, Research and Student Affairs Prof. Faith Nguru, was jubilant at the launch of the new PhD program. She congratulated the team that successfully developed the curriculum.

Prof. Nguru also invited postgraduate students who graduated recently to join the new program and bring about societal changes in governance, leadership and academia. She encouraged prospective students to pursue more than good grades. “There’s something deeper; the understanding of how knowledge, practice, and research translate to the [transformation of] lives [in] communities.”

Prof. Nguru further challenged facilitators of the program to embrace hands-on learning experience as opposed to the transmission of purely theoretical and academic knowledge.

“The quality of life at various levels is still very low, hence the need for such a program as the one we are launching today,” she noted.

The Dean, School of Applied Human Sciences, Dr. Kennedy Ongaro recognized the hardworking individuals who prepared the PhD program. Dr. Ongaro briefly outlined the genesis of the new program.

“We [the University] cannot achieve academic excellence if we cannot be felt to be doing what is expected by the country. We searched globally to ensure this program would limit practitioners jetting out of the country to pursue development studies,” he said.

Dr. Ongaro further extended his profound gratitude to the University Management for the consistent support they gave to him and the team.

Program leader, Dr. Agnes Korir, adeptly broke down the various concentrations in the new program, hence giving a broader perspective of its content. The concentrations include; Leadership and Governance, Gender and Development, Disaster Management and Sustainable Development, Peace Building and Conflict Management, and Development Studies. The program will run for 3 years and is facilitated by highly competent faculty.

The HOD, Department of Development Studies, Dr. Mary Mogute, welcomed students to scale up their academics by embracing the new program.

Faculty and guests present included the Deputy Director, Research and Graduate Studies Dr. Dinah Keino, the University Chaplain Rev. Johnny Miano Weche, Assistant Director for Gender at State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action Ms. Tekla Kipserem, the Member of

Parliament for Kapenguria Constituency Hon. Samuel Moroto, the Founder and Director of Christian Impact Mission Bishop Titus Masika, Dr. Lynnet Ochuma from State Department for Social Protection and Child Development, and Director Research, Innovation and Technology Transfer, Machakos University Government, Prof. Jones Agwata.