Daystar University and Taylor University sign MOU for academic collaboration

Vice Chancellor Daystar University Prof. Laban P. Ayiro (second from left)  DVC-ARSA Prof. Samuel Muriithi,  President Taylor University Prof. Michael Lindsay  (second from right) and Prof. Dan Darko  (far right) from Taylor University after the MOU signing at Daystar University.

[Monday 19th January 2026] Daystar University signed a Memorandum of Understanding with US-based Taylor University, intended to strengthen academic collaboration between the two Christian institutions.

The ceremony took place at Daystar University Main Campus Athi River during an official visit by Taylor University President, Prof. Michael Lindsay.  He was accompanied by Prof. Dan Darko and Mr. David Vandyke.

The MOU is a testament of the significant milestones Daystar University is making towards shaping global agenda in academia.

The ceremony was attended by members of the University Management among them the DVC ARSA, Prof. Samuel Muriithi, the Director, Institute of Policy and Development Studies, Dr. Kennedy Ongaro, the Director of Academic Affairs, Dr. Dinah Keino, the University Registrar, Prof. Paul Mbutu, the Director Main Campus, Dr. Anne Wachira, the Associate Dean, School of Nursing, Dr. Keziah Kahiga, the Ag. Public Relations Officer Mrs. Hellen Ogodo,  Mr. Boaz Bichage, Ms. Mary Njeri, Ms. Irene Tonje and Ms. Magdaline Kiyeng among other senior staff.

The MoU will see the two Christian institutions collaborate in such areas as student and faculty exchange, collaborative research, joint conferences, and academic linkages particularly within the Schools of Science, Engineering, Health, and the School of Nursing.  Other areas of collaboration will include resource mobilization publications, joint postgraduate supervision, and the integration of faith and learning.

The partnership underscores a shared commitment to advancing scholarship, expanding opportunities, and enhancing institutional impact.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Laban Peter Ayiro said the idea is to create meaningful academic traffic and open new pathways for revenue generation and international student enrollment.

He pointed out that the agreement goes beyond formal collaboration to represent a relationship grounded on mutual support, accountability, shared values, and long-term institutional student enrollment.

“The partnership between Daystar University and Taylor University is founded on a [shared] Christian worldview and will complement the strengths of both institutions,” said Prof. Ayiro, adding that he looked forward to a strategic and impactful collaboration.

Under the agreement, Taylor University will receive two Daystar University students, while Daystar University will host one Taylor University student. Taylor University will cover tuition costs for participating Daystar University students, who will in turn cover their travel and accommodation expenses.

Prof. Lindsay noted with appreciation the growth and development witnessed at Daystar University over the years, saying that prayer will be a key component in the partnership.

Prof. Dan Darko from Taylor University echoed the same sentiments and urged both institutions to remain prayerful as they embark on the partnership.

“We are not just signing this MoU for today, but for future generations,” he remarked, adding that both institutions have a shared responsibility to glorify God through the collaboration.

Prof. Darko underscored the need to invest in young people for the benefit of future generations and highlighted the significance of such values as character and service in higher education. He also commended Daystar University's School of Nursing for its well-equipped laboratories.

In a devotion drawn from 1 Corinthians 12:7, the Director, School of Mission and Theology Prof. Bernard Boyo, said the partnership was a calling to unity, saying that despite cultural differences, both institutions were united by a shared faith. “This is not just an academic MoU, but a spiritual mandate,” he stated.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic, Research, and Student Affairs (DVC ARSA) Prof. Samuel Muriithi, acknowledged the significant benefits Daystar University stood to gain from the MOU, among them ability to equip students with essential 21st century competencies, exposure to diverse cultures and opportunities for growth.  He  underscored the integration of faith and learning as being key to the collaboration as a shared tradition between both institutions.  

Prof. Muriithi thanked Taylor University for fully covering tuition fees for Daystar students, adding that the collaboration will also foster a healthy working relationship among deans, faculty members, and researchers from both institutions.

Following the signing ceremony, the two universities formally exchanged copies of the MoU, marking the beginning of operationalization of the partnership which will pave the way for the implementation of joint academic and institutional initiatives.

Thereafter, the Taylor University delegation was given a guided campus tour which included a visit to the School of Nursing, Faye Smith Hostels, Faye Smith Cafeteria, David Musau Mumama Learning Complex, and the University’s poultry farm.

The meeting closed with prayer offered by the Director of Academic  Affairs Dr. Dinah Keino, and a tree-planting exercise to symbolize growth, sustainability, and the long-term nature of the partnership.