Daystar University

Daystar University is a Christian liberal arts institution located in Nairobi, Kenya. The university’s original campus was in Nairobi’s city center, but due to the lack of space, a new campus was built in Athi River in 1992, about 40 kilometers southeast of the city. Daystar’s history began with Don and Faye Smith, an American couple who sailed to Cape Town, South Africa in 1952 to teach at the Evangelical Teacher Training College.When the South African government took over all mission schools in 1956, the Smiths were commissioned to develop Christian literature for evangelizing as appointees of the South African General Mission Board Proprietor of the Natal College. They began a publishing house called the Africa Christian Literature Advance (ACLA), and one of their first publications was Our Africa, a monthly Christian magazine launched in September 1958. From 1966, Don and Dr. Motsoko Pheko worked together to build Daystar Publications in Zambia and Zimbabwe.In 1973, the Smiths visited Nairobi, Kenya to purchase property for Daystar Communications and found a two-storey stone house with 10 bedrooms that became the Daystar Communications campus. Daystar Communications was incorporated as a limited company in Kenya on July 7, 1973. Between 1974 and 1978, the Smiths commenced training programs in Nairobi, completed several major research and consultation projects, and launched a two-year communications diploma at the Associate’s Art level.Daystar University was founded on the principles of transforming men and women from the inside out, ensuring their hearts were right with God, and their intellect was well tuned and equipped to serve society. Daystar’s role was to shepherd men and women both by day and by night. Daystar Communications, which later became Daystar Publications, trained individuals and responded to African ministry needs.In 1984, the undergraduate program was launched in collaboration with Wheaton and Messiah Colleges in the US. Today, Daystar University is a leading Christian liberal arts institution in Kenya, committed to providing a holistic, integrated education that develops the whole person.