Daystar University Hosts Annual Diplomatic Day

H.E Amb. Witjaksono Aji from the Republic of Indonesia addresses the audience as a high-level panel discussion takes the spotlight at the Diplomatic day celebrations in Athi River , Main Campus on March 11^th 2026.

By Timothy Oiro

[Athi River: March 12, 2026] The Indonesian Ambassador to Kenya, H.E  Witjaksono Adji, who is also the Chairman of the ASEAN community, has urged collaboration between the ASEAN countries and Kenya, to develop the blue economy.

He spoke during the 2026 Annual Diplomatic Day event held at Daystar University Main Campus Athi River, on March 11, 2026.

The event was organized by the School of Arts and Social Sciences, Department of Peace and International Studies, and Daystar University Peace & International Studies Students Association (DUPISSA).

The theme of the event for 2026 diplomatic day was: Shared Perspectives on the Blue Economy, Maritime security and Diplomacy.

Participating countries included: Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Philippines, and Thailand, represented by the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia H.E Witjaksono Adji, the High Commissioner of the Federation of Malaysia H.E Ruzaimi Mohamad, Charge’ d’ Affaires of the Royal Thai Embassy Ms. Piyaporn Putanapan, the High Commissioner of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Ms. Ruvini De Silva, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Philippines H.E Marie Charlotte G. Tang.

The Kenya Government was represented by former Inspector General of Police in Kenya, Rtd. Joseph Boinnet representing the National Security Advisor to the President H.E. Amb. Dr. Monica Juma, Mr. Mustafa Ibrahim representing the Principal Secretary (PS), State Department for Foreign & Diaspora Affairs Dr. Abraham Korir Sing’oei, and Kenya’s Special Envoy and Presidential Advisor for Maritime and Blue Economy, H.E. Amb. Nancy Karigithu, representing CS Hassan Joho. Other key guests included the Deputy Commandant of the Kenya Naval Training College Lt. Col. Ernest Ndirangu, the Armed Forces Programme Advisor for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Mr. Paul Kariuki, and Mashariki Research and Policy Centre Dr. Solomon Njenga.

The University Management was led by the Ag. Vice-Chancellor and DVC-ARSA Prof. Samuel Muriithi, the Dean, School of Arts and Social Sciences Dr. Josephine Munyao, the HOD, Peace and International Studies Dr. Justus Musya, the Director of Academic Affairs and Ag. University Registrar Dr. Dinah Keino, the Chief Manager Human Resource Mr. Pius Muia, the Ag. Security Officer Ms. Regina Sururu, and the Corporate Affairs Manager Ms. Damaris Kimilu.

Speakers raised awareness on maritime security, noting that it is an imminent issue to nations surrounded by oceanic waters.  They shared ideas on how Kenya can maximize on the blue economy and urged governments to collaborate and foster national interests so as to develop sustainable economic activities while protecting the marine ecosystem.

H.E Witjakasano was categorical that the ocean should be seen as a bridge not a barrier between Africa and Asia. He noted that the Indian Ocean connects the two continents through shared opportunities and responsibilities such as trade, shipping and fishing. “When we look at the Indian Ocean, we might see the distance between Africa and Asia as a dividing line, but it shapes our strategic environment and connects us through shared opportunities and responsibilities,” he said.

He further stated that maritime security and stability are inseparable and that they facilitate economic survival. He called on nations to embrace the protection of biodiversity and ensure a stable environment for sustainable development and long-term health of the blue economy. He also pointed out that diplomacy does not occur when leaders meet during a crisis, but before a crisis.

“It is my hope that the Indian Ocean will remain a source of shared prosperity to other nations that border its waters,” he said.

The Ag. Vice Chancellor and DVC- ARSA Prof. Samuel Muriithi observed that African countries can tap into the blue economy, noting that the ocean is the largest ecosystem covering 70% of the earth surface and supporting approximately 260 million jobs in fisheries, shipping, and trade.  Prof. Muriithi called for universities to lead the charge through innovation, research on sustainable marine practices, and specialized technical training.

Rtd. Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet focused his conversation on security, noting that it is a matter of urgency. He figuratively noted that the ocean does not stand still, and cautioned that security issues for sea territories had shifted in the modern age, and called on scholars and the public to proactively move beyond mere diagnosis to action in maritime domain.

In her remarks, the Dean, School of Arts and Social Sciences Dr. Josephine Munyao said the event was tailored to create a link between the academy and real-world experiences. She welcomed the dignitaries present and encouraged meaningful interactions, engagements and conversations.

Speaking on behalf of the Principal Secretary,  Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Dr. Abraham Korir Sing’oei, Mr. Mustafa Ibrahim revealed that blue economy contributes 0.7% of the Kenyan GDP through sectors such as fishing and Aquatic life.

On her part, H.E. Amb. Nancy Karigithu reminded the audience that the ocean is not a barrier but a connector. She underscored the importance of ocean governance, arguing that maritime security is not achieved through naval power only, but through policies and partnerships at both local and regional level.

The event culminated with three panel discussions delving into vital issues such as foreign diplomacy and the threats that affect oceans both internally and externally.

The 2026 diplomatic day celebrations provided an opportunity for Daystar University to create awareness of the potential that Africa has in the Blue Economy agenda and how Africa and Asia can collaborate to exploit their potentials.

DVC-ARSA Prof. Samuel Muriithi(center) host  former Inspector General of Police Rtd.  Joseph Boinnet , H.E. Amb. Witjaksono Aji , Mr. Mustafa Ibrahim ( Ministry of Foreign affairs ) and Lt. Col. Ernest Ndirangu pictured during the Diplomatic Day celebrations held at the Daystar University Athi River Main Campus on March 11^th 2026.