On Friday March 3, 2023, the School of Communication hosted two visiting lecturers, Senior Lecturer and Project Coordinator, Dr. Nele Lenze and Research Associate, Irene Najjemba from Deutsche Welle (DW) Akademie in Bonn, Germany.

Present to welcome the guests was the Dean School of Communication, Prof. Levi Obonyo, Associate Dean School of Communication, Dr. Kinya Mwithia, and the Coordinator of PhD Programme (in Communication) and Acting HOD, Media and Film Studies (MFS), Dr. Emmanuel Wanyonyi. Also present were Dr Beatrice Mbogoh, a lecturer in the Media and Film Studies department and Public Relations Officer Ms. Jean Murungi.

Prof. Obonyo revealed that Daystar University has a long-standing engagement with DW Akademie, particularly in postgraduate thesis supervision. He also added that the DW international broadcaster regularly airs its news bulletins through Daystar University’s Shine FM with the aim of exposing students to international standards in journalism practice. Prof. Obonyo further observed that that proposed partnership with DW Akademie would increase opportunities for Daystar students to engage with global media and audiences.

Dr. Lenze and Ms. Najjemba discussed DW Akademie’s “International Media Studies” programme and how it is aligned with international partnerships as well as supervision of Master’s students. The two visiting faculty delineated how undergraduate and post-graduate students would benefit from the proposed DW Akademie partnership with Daystar University, which includes access to scholarships and research workshops. Dr Lenze emphasized that DW Akademie would be keen to admit applicants who have attained a Bachelor’s degree in journalism or media practice and possess at least two years field experience as mainstream or freelance journalists. Daystar University students who have substantial internship experience or are active content producers on the popular digital media platforms can also qualify to join the DW Akademie programme in “International Media Studies”.

In her concluding remarks, Dr. Kinya appreciated Dr. Lenze and Ms. Najjemba for their presentation and thanked the students for making time to attend the event. “It is in such forums where you get research ideas, and ideas on where to further your studies,” she said.