Daystar  University School Of Communication hosts the first session of a  3 day Conference on Climate Change at the Nairobi Campus.

By Timothy Oiro

[August 18, 2025] Climate change has become a major issue of concern globally,

The latest UNEP Emissions Gap Report (2024) emphasizes that in order to limit global warming to 1.5°C, nations must reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by the year 2030.

In line with this statement, Daystar University’s 4th Annual Scientific Conference, held from August 13-15, 2025, chose to focus on the theme "Climate Change for Planetary Health."

The highly successful conference, which took place at both the Nairobi and Athi River campuses attracted interest from diverse academic disciplines that included media, science, gender, psychology, theology and finance. Different scholars presented research on how to initiate climate action for a healthier global ecosystem.

The conference began with prayer and devotion from the University Chaplain Rev. John Weche. Drawing from Genesis 1:26-28, Rev. Weche reminded the audience of humanity's sacred duty to care for God's creation, highlighting that human beings are homo religious in nature and daily habits homo liturgicus must align to be proper stewards of the environment.

The Dean,  School of Communication, Prof. Levi Obonyo, officially opened the conference. He expressed his delight and gratitude to all stakeholders, including conference convener Dr. Lydia Radoli and various university directorates, for their collective effort in making the event a reality. Prof. Levi encouraged attendees to actively engage in discussions that would lead to tangible solutions for environmental mitigation.

In his presentation, "The Stewardship of the Earth," the DVC ARSA Prof. Samuel Muriithi echoed the Genesis theme, noting that human development has unfortunately led to a polluted planet. He stressed that human activities pose the greatest threat to Earth's destruction, and urged the audience to find practical solutions to restore its beauty.

The Vice Chancellor Prof. Laban P. Ayiro delivered a powerful address, stating, "The earth is speaking to us—sometimes in whispers, sometimes in cries."

Referring to Psalm 24:1, which affirms that we are not owners but stewards of creation, Prof. Ayiro emphasized that the conference was not merely for identifying problems but for harnessing knowledge and innovation to restore balance. He concluded with a call to  "believers and seekers" alike, to work together to protect what is sacred and fix what is broken.

The Chief Guest and Special Envoy for Climate Change in the Office of the President, Ambassador Hon. Ali Daud Mohamed, highlighted Kenya's progress in clean energy, noting that 60% of the population uses clean cooking fuels.

Amb. Hon. Mohamed called for a coordinated effort to unlock carbon markets, in line with the Paris Agreement, and lauded the Special Envoy's Office for championing e-mobility through electric bicycles and buses. He urged higher education institutions to bridge the knowledge gap through research and innovation.

The CEO of the Media Council of Kenya, Mr. David Omwoyo, spoke on the role of media in curbing climate change. He explained that through accurate information and agenda-setting, the media can create public awareness and effectively tell stories of climate action.

Mr. Bodo Immink, Director for the German Development Agency (GIZ), highlighted the strong cooperation between Germany and Kenya, built on Kenya's strategic policies. He emphasized that climate change is an external threat that affects everyone, requiring a collective effort for effective implementation.

The first day also featured curated entertainment on climate change, including a skit by students from the Department of Language and Performing Arts,  demonstrating how climate change  affects women in rural communities. One Voice Melody also performed a delightful song on environmental conservation. The day concluded with presentation of research abstracts on topics ranging from climate governance to media communication.

The conference convener and Associate Dean in the School of Communication, Dr. Lydia Radoli, presented a paper titled “Talking to Trees: a discourse analysis of media reports” on indigenous practices by the Ogiek and Kuria tribes of Kenya on climate change mitigation.

The second day kicked off with a keynote address from Dr. James Otieno Kaoga of the University of Nairobi, who spoke on "Climate Change and Environmental Resilience." He advocated for a shift toward climate-resilient food systems and smart agriculture. Ambassador Prof. Bitange Ndemo, in a virtual session, showcased how technology, including renewable energy solutions like solar power and AI applications for data analysis, can be a powerful tool in mitigating climate change.

A stand-alone panel discussion moderated by the Chief Editor at Nation Media Group Mr. Joe Ageyo, focused on the role of media in climate reporting. The panel, which included Bernard Mwinzi, Zeynab Wandati, Mactilda Mbenywe, and Pamela Asigi, discussed how to create compelling stories that are relatable with local communities and provide actionable solutions to climate challenges.

The final day involved a more practical approach to curb climate change as participants were engaged in e-bicycle ride from the Nairobi to the Athi River Campus, an initiative by a youth-led group preparing for a 15,500 km ride from Nairobi to Belem in Brazil to attend the UN Climate Change Conference.

The Dean, School of Tourism and Hospitality at Strathmore University, Dr. David Chiawo, gave a keynote address on "Global Perspectives and Resilience." He urged the media to move beyond the distorted picture which paints Africa as a starving continent, and tell the continent's own story of impact, action, and transformation. He challenged Daystar to take up the mantle and become a leader in telling the right stories about Africa since it’s a household name in communication.

The conference culminated in a tree-planting session with the Kenya Forest Services, demonstrating the community's commitment to climate action.

In his closing remarks, the Director of Main Campus Athi River Dr. Daniel Aswani, thanked all who contributed to the conference's success.

Prof. Levi Obonyo offered a final reflection, urging participants to carry forward the urgency of climate action, the wisdom they had gained, and the power of storytelling to ensure planetary health for generations to come.

From Left  Dean School of Communication Prof.  Levi Obonyo, a representative from Kenya Forest Service , Campus Director Main Campus Dr. Robert Aswani, Associate Dean School Of Communication Dr. Lydia Radoli and HOD Media and Film studies Dr. Ann Anjao Plants  a tree at the main Campus Athi River marking the last day of the annual Conference on climate change