[Nairobi March 29, 2024] The Principal Secretary, State Department for Immigration & Citizen Services, Amb. Prof. Julius K. Bitok has revealed that the State Department of Immigration is undertaking major reforms to make it easier and faster to travel out of Kenya for education, work and leisure. He said this during Daystar University’s 14th Diplomatic Dinner that was held at Villa Rosa Kempinski hotel in Westlands on Thursday 28th March 2024.  The theme for this year's dinner dinner was: “African renaissance.” 

The PS was speaking to over 200 guests who attended the dinner organized by the International Students Association of Daystar University (ISADU) in collaboration with Corporate Affairs Department and Students Affairs Department.  ISADU is an affiliate of the Daystar University Students Association (DUSA).

The dinner was attended by Ambassadors and High Commissioners of countries represented at Daystar University. Present to host the Diplomats was Daystar University Vice-chancellor, Prof. Laban Ayiro, Deputy Vice-chancellor, Prof. Faith Nguru, the Principal Nairobi Campus Prof. Michael Bowen, Management Board members, Deans of Schools, and Daystar University Student Council. 

Amb. Prof. Bitok encouraged the international students to consider remaining in Kenya after their studies, noting that Kenya allows dual citizenship.

On the theme for the event: African Renaissance, Amb. Bitok said that African renaissance calls on every African to celebrate progress, innovation and unity across the continent. He noted that Kenya has over the years opened its door wide to refugees and asylum seekers, further revealing that Kenya is now a visa free nation.

The Vice-chancellor Prof. Laban P. Ayiro appreciated the Diplomats for entrusting the students to Daystar University. He thanked the organizers of the event and called on the Diplomats to be the ambassadors of Daystar University. 

“I urge all diplomats to forge strong connections and bonds with Daystar University which will help build bridges for mutual growth and collaborations,” said Rev. Mutinda Musyimi, theDean of Students.

ISADU President, Ms. Achol Maker appreciated Daystar University for being a second home for international students, while the DUSA President, Mr. Geoffrey Tum emphasized the need for young Africans to unite in their endeavours.

The aim of the dinner was to: 

• Provide a forum where international students can interact with their respective diplomats from their home countries.
• Enable Ambassadors and High Commissioners to get first-hand information on how international students live and study in Kenya. 
• Enable international students to establish contacts for job and internship opportunities through interactions with the invited diplomats and companies. 
• Create opportunity for Ambassadors and High Commissioners to speak directly to students on current issues of Importance back at home. 

Daystar University is home to 35 nationalities.