The DUSA Executive Council and student leaders at the Daystar Baraza in the Amphitheatre , Athi River campus, 19^th February 2026. Left to right: Mr. Churchill William Ooko ( DUSA Governor), Ms. Maria Nadduli (DUSA Deputy President), Mr. Lewis Sekento (DUSA President), Mr. Jerry Amimo (Secretary General), and Ms. Purity Wangui (DUSA Treasurer). 

By Akelo Clement

[Athi River Campus: Wednesday 18th February 2026] The Daystar University Student Association (DUSA) held a Student Baraza to discuss issues affecting the general welfare of students living in and off-Campus Athi River.

The event brought together student leaders, students and University Administration.  External stakeholders invited included the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), Machakos Fire and Rescue Centre, and the National Police Service (NPS), creating a vibrant atmosphere for engagement with students at a personal level.

NACADA Machakos office was represented by Ms. Jane Omano and Ms. Jackline Kidaha, while the National Police Service was represented by Inspector Daniel Wachira from the Athi River Police Station and retired police officer Mr. Fredrick Mulandi.  From the Fire Brigade was Deputy Director of Emergency and Rescue Services, Mr. Festus Kegonga, and Dr. Charles Mulinge from Machakos Level 5 Hospital.

The event was organized by the DUSA Council through the Office of the Secretary General Jerry Amimo, together with Tanui Foundation, JAGA LAW and the University Security Office. In attendance was the DUSA President Mr. Lewis Sekento, Deputy President Ms. Maria Nadduli, DUSA Treasurer Ms. Purity Wangui, and DUSA Governor for Main Campus Athi River Mr. Churchill Ooko.

The University Administration was represented by the Dean of Students Rev. Mutinda Musyimi, Associate Dean Main Campus Ms. Susan Botto, Design-for-Delight Director Mr. Fredrick Ogore, the Acting Security Co-ordinator Ms. Regina Sururu, and the Corporate Affairs and Marketing Manager Mrs. Damaris Kimilu.

Moderating the Baraza on behalf of the DUSA Council was Mr. Benjamin Mshindi, a student.

Speaking on behalf of NACADA, Ms. Jackline Kidaha highlighted the devastating effects of drug and substance abuse on safety, health, mental, family, and economic stability.She attributed addiction to, among other factors, genetic predisposition, peer pressure, stress, trauma, social and environmental triggers like poverty and easy access to drugs. She further noted that addiction develops through brain chemistry changes, including dopamine overload, tolerance buildup, and fear of withdrawal. Her sobering reminder was: “No one expects to develop an addiction through experimentation; however, continuous experimentation gradually leads to addiction without the user realizing it.”

She called for the protection of young people through parental vigilance and stronger policy enforcement.

Students also reported increased incidences of wildlife invasion by hyenas, monkeys and elephants, gang attacks in off-campus neighborhoods, and sexual assault of female students as among increased cases of insecurity.

The students called for establishment of gender desks, swift investigations, GBV training, and accessible phone hotlines as the University leadership promised to strengthen support mechanisms.  The University Administration will also work closely with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to strengthen community patrols.