Undergraduate Freshmen sign a covenant of excellence through Matriculation

Management,  Directors ,Faculty, and Senate, dressed in academic gowns, at the Amphitheatre during matriculation, witnessing the formal induction of new students into the University community. Photo Credit: Daystar Production Unit

By Victoria Mumbi

[Athi River: May 12, 2026] Daystar University welcomed its newest cohort of undergraduate students into a community covenant of excellence through a vibrant matriculation ceremony held at the Amphitheatre, Main Campus Athi River.

The event brought together the new students, University Management, Senate and faculty members.   Adorned in colourful academic regalia, the faculty marched in a solemn procession to matriculate freshmen joining Daystar University's intellectual community of scholar-believers.

The Vice Chancellor Prof. Laban Ayiro set the tone with a powerful message in which he described matriculation as “a covenant of scholarship, character, discipline, and purpose.”   He reminded students that while degrees may open doors, it is character that sustains success.

Prof. Ayiro emphasized the importance of academic excellence, critical thinking, innovation, and research, and urged students to embrace three dimensions of growth namely Intelligence Quotient (IQ) for academic rigor, Emotional Quotient (EQ) for resilience and teamwork, and Virtue Quotient (VQ) for integrity, servant leadership, and godly character.

Prof. Ayiro discouraged the misuse of technology and called on students to develop a strong reading culture, respect for diversity, and responsible living in the digital era. His blessing was clear: “May your journey in Daystar University be marked by wisdom, excellence, purpose, faith, and transformation.”

Speaking on behalf of DVC-FAP, Prof. Muturi Wachira, the Chief Finance Officer CPA Phyllis Mutua reminded students that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”  She emphasized that education at Daystar is not only academic but also ministry, where work itself is worship and learning is rooted in faith.

The DVC-ARSA Prof. Samuel Muriithi encouraged students to remain disciplined and resilient as they embark on their academic journey.

He acknowledged the challenges and temptations that lie ahead, but urged students to remember their roots, seek mentorship, and focus on innovation. He reminded them to build character alongside grades, quoting the biblical story of Daniel as an example of integrity and faithfulness.

The Principal of the Nairobi Campus, Prof. Michael Bowen, added a lighter but equally important note, encouraging students to join sports, clubs and associations. He highlighted the value of friendships and networks formed during university life, noting that such relationships often become lifelong sources of support.

The ceremony was more than a formal rite of passage; it was a call to excellence, integrity, and holistic growth. Daystar University reaffirmed its commitment to preparing students spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally for global impact.

The key message was that this was not just the beginning of an academic journey, but the start of a transformative experience that shapes leaders of character, wisdom, and purpose.

“Matriculation is an administrative act of record keeping which confers certain legal rights and responsibilities as we to enter your name into the official university register,” said the University Chaplain Rev. Miano Weche.

He underscored that matriculation formalizes admission into the University and incorporation into the collective body of scholars embodying unity and knowledge.

Rev. Weche highlighted God’s greatness in entrusting Daystar University with the responsibility of stewarding the intellectual, spiritual, emotional, social, and holistic formation and transformation of young women and men that He has brought to the institution.

The ceremony reached a solemn conclusion with the signing of a declaration of assent by the new students, formally affirming their commitment to faithfulness throughout their individual academic journey at Daystar University, and pledging unwavering adherence to the University’s Code of Conduct.

A student formally signs the declaration of assent during Daystar University matriculation, affirming commitment to the University’s Code of Conduct and a covenant of faith, discipline, and academic excellence. Photo Credit: Daystar Production Unit