Company Board of Trustees, University Council and University Management during the retreat at Naivasha

By Jean Murungi & Jacqueline Mathaga

[Nairobi: August 27, 2025]  The University leadership comprising members of Daystar Company, the University Council and Management Board gathered at Lake Naivasha Resort from August 19–22, 2025, for a four-day training on giving and fundraising.

A section of  Company, Council and Management in a small group discussion during the retreat

The retreat aimed at reshaping leadership through a deeper culture of giving. The training dubbed Journey of Generosity (JoG), was facilitated by trainers from Generosity Path, who included Elvis Muturi Githinji, Juliet Kiplagat, and Juliet Kasita.  It was organized by the Directorate of Resource Mobilization.

The program explored themes of biblical stewardship, generosity in daily living, collaboration in giving, and real-life stories of global philanthropists.

The Lead Trainer Elvis Muturi told participants that if adopted, the JoG Model would strengthen Daystar’s governance and service to society. “The moment you see yourself as a steward, you obey,” he said, urging leaders to see giving as an act of faith that multiplies like seed planted in good soil.

Other facilitators reinforced the message. Juliet Kiplagat encouraged participants to give even from a place of discomfort, while Bishop Emeritus Joseph Kanuku reminded them that generosity must extend beyond money to acts that empower people to live better.

Chair of the University Council, Prof. George Njoroge, hailed the retreat as a “dream come true,” stating that, “This training is important because we have many projects coming up that will make Daystar a university of choice,” he said.

The Vice Chancellor Prof. Laban P. Ayiro rooted his message in Scripture, citing 2Corinthians 9:6–7 and the story of the widow’s mite. He challenged leaders to embrace sacrificial giving for projects such as the newly launched Chapel construction and the proposed School of Medicine.

“Together, we shall build the chapel, whatever it takes,”  said the VC.  He also noted that giving should be driven by empathy and emotional connection, because giving has a lot to do with the disposition of a believer’s heart. “Giving should not be driven by convenience but by faith.”

Contributions from participants highlighted generosity as both faith and lifestyle. Bishop Prof. Joseph Galgalo called it “faith at work,” while the Chief Finance Officer, CPA Phyllis Mutua, emphasized non-financial giving like mentorship. Rev. Dr. Macmillan Kiiru testified that his own education was funded by a missionary’s generosity. “I am the man I am today because of people’s giving,” he said.

The retreat closed with a call for leaders to make personal pledges and rally their networks in support of Daystar’s flagship projects, including the Chapel, Dorcas Pantry, scholarships, the School of Medicine, and the second phase of the Nursing Complex.

In his closing remarks, the DVC Finance, Administration and Planning, Prof. Muturi Wachira, reinforced the University’s commitment to extend the Journey of Generosity training to other segments of the Daystar community, in ensuring that the culture of generosity continues to grow and reach all levels of governance, faculty, staff, students, and alumni.”

Participants agreed that the retreat was a defining moment in Daystar’s history. As Prof. Ayiro put it: “We must carry the spirit of generosity forward in prayer, giving, and action. Let us not only build policies, but also altars.”

Council Chair Prof George Njoroge and the Vice Chancellor, Prof Laban Ayiro celebrate Company Board Chair, Rev. Dr. Matthew's Mwalw'a's birthday during the retreat