Daystar Leadership and Governance Institute (DLGI) Launched

Attendees during the launch of the Daystar Leadership and Governance Institute (DLGI) at Argyle Grand Hotel, Nairobi, on 26 August 2026.

By Raphael Mutuku and Victoria Mumbi

[Nairobi: 26th August, 2026] Daystar University has launched the Daystar Leadership and Governance Institute, replacing what was previously known as Daystar Leadership and Professional Development Institute (DLPDI).

The launch took place at a high-level breakfast event attended by over 90 participants drawn from Bishops and Senior Clergy, along with Daystar University leadership including members of Daystar Company, the Chancellor, University Council, the Founder, Management Board, the Senate, staff and students.

Among churches and para-church organizations present included the Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA), Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK), the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK), Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA), Life in Abundance (LIA), Christ is the Answer Ministries (CITAM), Parklands Baptist, Deliverance Church, the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi, the Africa Inland Church (AIC), Africa Gospel Church (AGC), Gospel Centres International (GCI), Jesus Celebration Centre (JCC), City Lighters Church, Loving Faith Church, Lord’s Alter International, Kenya Christian Professional Forum (KCPF), Mavuno Church, Lifepoint Ministry, Kenya Church of Christ, Prevailing Word Church, Life Church International (LCI), FOCUS Kenya, Kenya Christian Professionals Forum, Association for Christian Theological Education in Africa (ACTEA), Myogenic Excellent Music Award (MEMA) Africa, Cathedral of Praise Ministry, Eagle Rise, World Relief and World Vision, among others.

Daystar University Co-founder Rev. Prof. Donald Smith noted that Daystar university seeks to not only produce people who participate in church activities, but individuals who emulate the life and character of Jesus Christ in their daily lives.

Urging the Daystar University not to lose sight of its ultimate goal, Prof. Smith challenged participants to the leadership to remain focused on the institution’s foundational purpose of transforming lives through education, faith, and Christian values.

He emphasized that Daystar’s mission is not simply to see students accept Jesus Christ and receive salvation, but also to facilitate deeper transformation in their lives.

The University Chancellor, Dr. Florence Muindi, highlighted visionary leadership and the institution's lasting impact as key factors that set the university apart.  She also emphasized the importance of equipping young people to become leaders in their generation.

Dr. Muindi further noted that the transformative work carried out by the institution could have a wider influence on the Church in Africa through its graduates.

The Council Chair, Prof. George Njoroge, explained that universities not only existed to disseminate information to students but also to generate new knowledge that can contribute to the improvement of society.

He noted that new knowledge comes through research on the challenges and developments taking place within communities. Research facilitates problem solving so as to improve people’s lives and make communities better.

In his keynote address, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Laban Ayiro said that rather than offer the church disjointed courses, Daystar University has chosen to develop a coherent curriculum on leadership and governance using the Daystar Leadership Model (DLIM), a proprietary leadership architecture that integrates faith, character, cognition, technology and execution multiplied through design-for-delight (D4D).

The VC further stated that the purpose of DLGI is to re-engineer the leadership DNA of the Church in Africa through a coherent ecosystem of ministry formation, governance, technology and institutional excellence through curriculum development, delivery, and partnerships.

“We are hoping that through Daystar University, the kingdom of God will truly stand the challenges of 21st century”, remarked Prof. Ayiro.

The Vice Chancellor affirmed DLGI as an evolution of tested ministry formation and professional development for the church, strengthened by Daystar’s academic credibility and church relationships.

Deputy Vice Chancellor, Finance Administration and Planning, Prof. Muturi Wachira stated that Daystar university is opening a forum for discussion with church leaders so that together they can design away forward on how they can train church leaders better.

Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, Research and Students Affairs , Prof. Samuel Muriithi, remarked that Daystar University stands on three key pillars: academic research, community service and spirituality.

He emphasized that the spiritual dimension remains central to the initiative, with an emphasis on nurturing individuals whose faith is reflected in their everyday lives and service to others.

The Secretary General of the Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA), Rev. Dr. Master Mathlaope emphasized that God is specific when choosing a leader, drawing inspiration from Acts 13:22.

“Because leadership is ordained by God, every leader must pursue God’s vision,” he said, adding that such vision is universal, far-reaching, and extends beyond personal interests.

Director, Daystar Leadership and Governance Institute, Rev. Dr. Patrick Musembi invited the clergy to a collective responsibility, partnership and cooperation towards achieving a shared future.

In his closing remarks, Chairman of the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya, Bishop Peter Njau, acknowledged the importance of DLGI not only to Kenya, but also as a global initiative.