This History of Daystar

Great is His Faithfulness!

1967- U.S. Missionaries Dr. Donald and Mrs. Faye Smith and South African, Dr. S.E. Motsoko Pheko start Daystar as Daystar Communications in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

1968- The Daystar US Board was formed in Eugene, Oregon. For the first 10 years, this group of then young Christian businessmen gave solid support, often sacrificially, that made Daystar possible.

Beginning in 1974, with the help of U.S. supporters (especially through a large grant program through the Tyndale Foundation), the Nairobi property is acquired and developed as the campus for “Daystar Communications” which later became “Daystar University College”.

1977- The MA in Communications was accredited by the North Central Accrediting Association - as a recognized partnership between Wheaton College and Daystar.

1978- Daystar celebrates its first graduation of four degree recipients in the MA in Communications from Wheaton College at the Nairobi campus.

1979- Dr. Stephen Talitwala from Uganda is selected to become the first Daystar President (Executive Director/Vice-Chancellor).

1982- Daystar U.S. is officially established in the U.S. as a non-profit to support Daystar University. All management is officially transferred from Daystar U.S. Board to the African Daystar Board under the leadership of the first chairman, James Mageria.

1982- Stephen Talitwala wrote to supporters about the need for a Christian college with an accredited B.A. program for Africa after returning from a trip to the U.S. “Many of the students completing their Diploma at Daystar this year are looking to the United States to finish their B.A. degrees. A larger number of other Daystar alumni who were unable to go overseas are regularly inquiring about our plans to set up a B.A program here in Nairobi. Our meetings with church leaders from various African countries have convinced us that the B.A. program which we hope to start soon is not a luxury. Consider the fact that aspiring students would not have to spend large amounts of money to fly overseas, or even live and study on a foreign college campus; and think of how much better it would be for them to study nearer their families and within their own African continent. Lack of available educational institutes is also another factor to consider: there is only one Christian college with an accredited B.A. program in all of Africa. Many church leaders cannot get Christian education except by going overseas. May I appeal to you to join us in praying that God will touch the hearts of his people to help us build at Daystar a fully accredited college for Africa?”

1984- Daystar, in collaboration with Messiah College and President Dr. Ray Hostetter, launches a liberal arts bachelor’s degree program.

1987- The first class of fourteen Daystar B.A. students graduate.

1990- With support from many Daystar U.S. donors, construction of Athi River campus begins.

Beginning in 1992- Daystar moves its main campus to the Athi River site.

1994- Daystar University is awarded it’s charter by the President of Kenya.

1998- Daystar enrollment reaches over 1800 students from 25 African countries with more than 7,000 Daystar alumni are working in nearly 40 countries.

2001- Enrollment reaches over 2,000 for first time. With the help of U.S. supporters, the 50,000 square foot Bible, Business, and Commerce complex is completed. Daystar Radio station is established with help from U.S. partners.

2005- Dr. Godfrey Nguru becomes 2nd Daystar President (Vice-Chancellor), Dr. Florence Muli-Musiime becomes the 1st female university Chancellor in all of Africa.

2007- First of four Science Buildings completed with the help of U.S. supporters.

2010- Dr. Timothy Wachira becomes 3rd Daystar President (Vice-Chancellor). Enrollment is over 4,000 students.

2011- Daystar University recognized as the most influential Christian institution of higher education in Africa for Christian leadership development.

2012- The Science and Technology Building and new dormitories are completed on the Athi River campus with major gifts from U.S. foundations and families.

2018- Daystar celebrates its 40th graduation with class of 684 graduates and enrollment at over 5,000. Over 20,000 Daystar alumni are impacting communities throughout Africa.

2019- Prof. Laban Ayiro becomes Daystar’s 4th President (Vice-Chancellor).