Leaders,staff and students converged at  David Musau Mumama Learning Complex at the Main Campus for a chapel groundbreaking service marking a significant step towards the construction of a new University Chapel.

By Timothy Oiro

[Tuesday June 24, 2025] The vision to have a University Chapel building became a reality on 24th June as Daystar University broke ground for the construction of a 1000-seater sanctuary at the Main Campus Athi River.

The groundbreaking prayer service was held in the Multi-purpose Hall of the nearly completed David Musau Mumama Learning Complex, after which the congregation moved to the Chapel site next to DMMLC for the actual groundbreaking ceremony.

The journey towards putting up a University Chapel building started 25 years ago when the Founding Vice Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Talitwala, who dared to dream of building a sanctuary for the Lord which would be named The Lighthouse of Prayer. In 1999, Prof. Talitwala organized and led an 820 kilometer walk from Kampala in Uganda to Nairobi, Kenya, to raise funds for the Chapel.

The ceremony began with momentous praise and worship led by the Sing Africachoir conducted by Rev. Tom Otieno and Timothy Kaberia, both Daystar alumni and former members of Sing Africa. The duo led an electrifying worship session comprising Sing Africa members from among current students and alumni.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Laban Ayiro recalled with nostalgia the sentiments of Prof. Talitwala before he passed on in 2023: “A university without a place of worship is like a body without a soul.”  He said breaking ground for the construction of the chapel would honour the legacy of Prof. Talitwala, not with words only but with actions.

“Let it be said of Daystar University that when the moment came to honour God, we did not argue but we built. When others hesitated, we believed. When history looks back, may it see a people who walked by faith, not by sight,” said the Vice Chancellor, adding that the Chapel will rise as a testament not to the University’s ambition, but as a sign of obedience.

Other distinguished guests who spoke included the Chair of the University Council, Prof. George Njoroge, and the Chair of the Daystar Company Board.

The Chairman of the University Council, Prof. George Njoroge, urged the audience to rise up and join hands to ensure that the project is completed in good time. He reassured the audience that the University Council was fully committed to ensuring that the Chapel project succeeds.

In his remarks, the Chair of the Daystar Company Board, Rev. Dr. Matthews Mwalw’a, deeply resonated with the Vice Chancellor in acknowledging that God had brought Daystar University this far. “Today, the Daystar community is finally laying the foundation for the sanctuary; a spiritual stronghold that will shine beyond the gates.

In her address titled ‘A vision of Hope and progress’ the University Chancellor who was also the Guest of Honour, Dr. Florence Muindi, said building a house for the Lord would have significant impact on Daystar University when the vision is realized after many years.

“We acknowledge that the late Prof. Talitwala was not irrational to dream of a Chapel. Today, his faith is being manifested. We are celebrating the paraphrase of Hebrews 11, because this is what faith looks like,” she said, noting that Daystar University was raising an altar to the Lord.

“As we meet to break ground for the Chapel, we are proclaiming yet another step in what is to emerge in the School of Mission and Theology,” she punctuated.

The Ceremony climaxed with the Keynote Speaker, Rev. Dr. Julian Kyula, who, in a sermon titled: Oneness in Spirit, encouraged the audience to unite regardless of their religion, for the prosperity of God’s work.  Rev. Dr. Kyula urged the audience to eliminate differences among themselves in order to achieve their goals.  “Do not to heed to many voices, but rather pray for God’s guidance and discernment in whatever you undertake to do,” he nudged.

During the official groundbreaking for the much-anticipated Chapel project, the Architect, Mr. Allan Mwangi of Third Lense Ministries said that the Chapel design began a month and a half ago, following his initial meeting with Vice Chancellor Prof. Laban Ayiro.

On his part, Engineer Joseph Maina Muhia, the Director of Corban Construction Limited which is contracted to construct the Chapel revealed that approval processes were underway at the County Government level and that their firm, which had already delivered the David Musau Mumama Learning Complex, brings both experience and proven track record to the Chapel project.

Engineer Maina, expressed gratitude for being entrusted with yet another major Daystar University project.

Confident and optimistic, Eng. Maina committed to deliver the project within the next year, citing the strong working relationship that Corban has maintained with Daystar University.

A deeply spiritual moment followed as Bishop J.B. Masinde of Umoja Deliverance Church and a reverenced father of faith in Kenya, led the symbolic consecration of the Chapel grounds using oil, salt and water.  

Bishop Masinde explained the significance of the three sacred elements. Oil, he said, is used for sanctification, salt for preservation, while water represents increase and fruitfulness. Quoting Exodus 25:8 and Isaiah 55:10, Bishop Masinde emphasized the importance of building a holy sanctuary where God may dwell among His people.  Also a member of Daystar University Council, Bishop Masinde has recently donated Ksh 1 million towards the Chapel project.

After offering dedication prayers alongside three other senior Clergy, Bishop Masinde joined Prof. Laban Ayiro on the bulldozer to break ground. To crown the ceremony was  a tree planting activity, signifying growth, legacy and a hopeful future rooted in God’s purpose for Daystar University.

The Chapel Groundbreaking Ceremony was more than just a formal event; it was a moment of fulfillment, consecration, and renewed vision. It brought together faith-filled leadership, institutional legacy and a collective commitment to spiritual growth.

As Daystar University moves forward with the construction of the Chapel, this sacred space will not only serve as a house of worship but also stand as a testament to God’s faithfulness across generations. Indeed, the seeds planted on this day both in spirit and in soil will blossom into a beacon of hope, prayer and purpose for years to come.

The reverent and joyful event was attended by members of the Daystar community besides other invited guests.  Key invited guests included members of the Company and the University Council. Founding families present included the family of the late Prof. Stephen Talitwala represented by Dr. Mutheu Talitwala who was accompanied by her children Kyesubure Greigg, Tibaga Talitwala-Gacheru, and grandson Kwe Greigg.  The family of the late Dr. James Mageria was represented by his son Mwaniki Mageria and his wife Jacqueline Mwaniki, both Daystar University alumni.  Also present was the Second Chancellor Dr. Florence Muli-Musiime and Second Vice Chancellor Prof. Godfrey Nguru. Notable Alumni included Hon. Samuel Poghisio, Dr. Isaac Kiema, Rev. Omeno Suji and his wife Mrs. Helen Suji, Ms. Catherine Butaki (Company), Mr. Kamau Ng’ang’a (Company) and his wife Stella Kiguta-Ng’ang’a.  In attendance also were members of the Clergy and CEOs of corporate organizations, DUSA student leaders, former Daystar Christian Fellowship leaders, Senate, faculty, staff and students.