Vice-chancellor, Prof. Laban Ayiro Speaking to Graduate Students at Main Campus Athi River - June 24, 2023

On Saturday 24^th June 2023, all roads led to the Main Campus Athi River, with close to 400 Graduate students responding to the Vice-chancellor’s invitation to a round-table meeting.  

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss Graduate students’ progress in Thesis and Dissertation writing, with the aim of increasing students’ graduation rate.   

The full day meeting began with breakfast at 7:30 am followed by a two-hour school-based roundtable discussions between students and supervisors. From 11:00am, students and faculty converged at the Amphitheatre for a plenary session moderated by the Principal Nairobi Campus Prof. Michael Bowen, and the Dean, School of Arts and Social Sciences, Rev. Dr. Patrick Musembi. 

Present was the Vice-chancellor Prof. Laban P. Ayiro, DVC Academic Research and students Affairs, Prof. Faith Nguru, DVC, Finance Administration and Planning Prof. Muturi Wachira, Senior Management, Deans of Schools, Theses and PhD coordinators, Directors, Heads of Departments, and Thesis and Dissertation supervisors. 

Prof. Ayiro advised the students not to pursue Graduate study for the sake of a paper only, but rather to seek transformation.  “My commitment and promise is to see that you are transformed by the fact that you are in Daystar University,” he said.  

He further underscored the importance of research, stating that literature review is the genesis of research. “For a topic to emerge you must punish yourself with reading,” he said, adding that one should not be afraid to argue the position he/she has taken in research.  

The DVC Academic, Research and Student Affairs, Prof. Faith Nguru said that the University will work with Graduate students to revive the spirit of research. She also stated that the University will re-group those who lost their cohorts to enable them move together and encourage each other to graduate. 

On his part, the DVC Finance, Administration and Planning promised that the University will work out a fee payment plan for struggling students. He also announced that the University will waive the one credit hour fees payment per semester for students who have overstayed in the system, to enable them complete their studies before the waiver expires in a year’s time.  

The Director of Academic Affairs, Prof. Samuel Muriithi assured Graduate students that the University intended to have each graduate within the stipulated time. He encouraged them to develop a positive attitude towards their studies, saying that this could take them to places they thought not possible. 

Echoing the Vice-chancellor, the University Chaplain Rev. Miano Weche called on the students to keep chasing for answers as a way of life.

Graduate students listening attentively to proceedings during the meeting with the VC

Graduate students expressed their gratitude to the Vice-chancellor for convening the meeting.  Representing the students were: AmyRose Kiende Opiyo – MBA representative, Enock Masaki Magack – PhD Communication, CPA Francis Mutua PhD Business Administration, Isaac Ochieng Aliyah representing the School of Arts and Social Sciences, and Timothy Juma, Student representative and also School of Applied Social Sciences. 

CPA Francis Mutinda said he found the meeting unique, given that such meetings between universities and graduate students do not happen in every other university. He appreciated the Vice-chancellor for convening roundtable meeting. “We in PhD have been supported and we are confident that we will complete the programme in time,” he said. 

Speaking on behalf of PhD Communication, Enock Masaki revealed that PhD communication students had resolved to punish themselves and publish articles in reputable journals and book chapters. "It is time that early African scholars become research oriented. The only way we can get global recognition in academia is by publishing," he said. 

Representing MBA students, AmyRose Kiende Opiyo had this to say: “Vice-chancellor, we feel your passion and commitment and appreciate the many yards you are willing to walk with us to bring our goal to fruition. Your effort to interact with graduate students over time, offering lessons to help us appreciate and see the value of research has been tremendous. Prof. Ayiro, you epitomize servant leadership in a most profound way.”  

In her conclusion and way forward, the DVC ARSA promised that the ideas shared by the students and requests to resume research remedial trainings would be considered. She also promised that support from supervisors and Schools will be encouraged.  

She further invited memorandums from the various Programmes for consideration by the University Senate. 

The meeting ended at 5pm with late lunch.