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dthuku@daystar.ac.ke
+254 709 972 000
1 Publications

David Kariuki Thuku

Lecturer, School of Arts & Social Sciences

Title and Responsibilities

Lecturer, School of Arts & Social Sciences

Biography

I graduated from Kenyatta University College of Nairobi University in 1980 with a Bed Science (Maths & Physics) and was posted by the TSC to. Githiga High School, Kiambu, where I taught Maths and Physics (1981-1982). I also served as the School’s Deputy Headmaster and Christian Union Patron.

In September 1982, I accepted the invitation to work with the Fellowship of Christian Unions (FOCUS), a Christian organization ministering among students in university and college campuses in Kenya. Starting with a team of four, the staff grew with time.  My role was primarily as a Travelling Secretary, visiting the Christian Unions in the  campuses, interacting with and training the leadership in areas such as Evangelism, Bible Study, Prayer and different aspects of Christian Leadership. In the process, I was to model Christian lifestyle both to the leaders and members in those CUs. I also interacted with the Patrons and other supportive faculty.  At the time, FOCUS(K) worked in 15-20 campuses. It was in fellowship with similar movements in a number of African nations as Pan African Fellowship of Evangelical Students(PAFES) and also  the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES) which, at the time, brought together similar organizations  from over 100 countries of the world.

I worked with FOCUS(K) for 12.5 Years. In the tail end years, I participated in  strengthening ministry among the Graduates of these Christian Unions,(considered as Associates ) as Director of Associates Ministries.. Associates Groups had sprung up in the major towns, bringing them together for Bible Study, Socialization and any other form of nurture. They mobilized financial support to FOCUS and  also availed themselves to the campuses nearest to them. My role then included equipping the Associates as Groups and as individuals for the tasks they needed to do among the students.

In September 1991, I took a break and went to Wheaton College, Illinois for a MA (Theological Studies) under a scholarship from the Billy Graham Centre. I graduated in December 1992 and resumed my duties in FOCUS(K)

I left FOCUS(K) in 1994 and joined Daystar University as Assistant Dean of Students. A year later, I was appointed as Dean of Students.

The role involved supervising a small team of staff responsible for Leadership development (DUSA), student counseling, disciplinary matters, sporting activities and International student affairs. Initially under the supervision of the Director of Student Development, Later my title was changed from Dean of students to Associate Dean, Student Affairs, even as my  supervisor’s title was changed to  Dean Community Life.

During this period, we were able to develop a fairly harmonious relationship with student leadership. Most student governments served their terms successfully, communicated well with the administration, faculty and staff. There were a few incidents where communication failed . But sincere dialogue always won the day. Naturally, discipline was maintained as appropriate. The last 10 months as  ADSA during which I resided in Athi River campus, I had  an opportunity to interact  with students (particularly the boarders and those living off- Athi River campus) more intensively and to facilitate the  initiation of  some  evening programmes/activities, which   together with those organized by DCF, would  increase student involvement in healthy activities and minimize the temptation to seek ‘excitement’ off-campus.

Of course, all of this was made possible by  collaboration and liaison with other colleagues in the Community Life and other Departments .

I transferred to the Teaching  Division of the University in 2014, as a Lecturer in the Department of Theology and  Pastoral Studies, School of Arts and Humanities.  I have been teaching both the Undergraduate and Diploma Classes

Honors: The students have honored me twice:

  • Star of Excellence Award (SOEA): DUSA SDO Award to Dean of Students
  • SOEA AWARDS 2015-2016: Lecturer of the Year, School of Arts and Social Sciences

In cooperate social responsibility, I am a Presbyterian Church Elder since 2001. This has afforded me opportunities to serve the community through the church programmes and as Patron to a number of Church Groups over the years.

Academic Qualifications

  • Bed, Science, (Maths & Physics) 1980, Nairobi University
  • MA (Theological Studies): 1992 Wheaton College; Theses: An Analysis of the Universalism in John Mbiti’s  Theology and its relationship with the African Traditional Religion

Publications (1 Publications)

Book Chapters

  • The Experiences of a Single man, in the Book, Living out your Purpose in Singlehood

    By Prof. Faith Nguru

Research Interests

Teaches

BIL 212X, INS 212T, ICC 015T, ICC 014T, ICC 016U, DGE 101U, BIL 112, BIL 111,RET 321

Relevant Links

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