Ceremonial cake cutting by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Laban P. Ayiro, Guest of Honour,  Prof. Olive Mugenda, Dean of Students, Rev. Mutinda Musyimi and international students' Committee during the 16th ISADU Diplomatic Dinner, symbolizing unity, shared celebration, and strengthened international ties.

By Victoria Mumbi

[Nairobi: Thursday 2nd April 2026] The International Students Association of Daystar University (ISADU) hosted its 16th Annual Diplomatic Dinner at the Trademark Hotel, Village Market.

The event which ran under the theme, “Bridges of Humanity: Fostering Global Peace through Servant Leadership.” attracted diplomats from eight countries including Tanzania, Congo Brazzaville, Somalia, Zambia, Benin, Libya, Malawi, and South Sudan.   

Out of over 8,000 students who study at Daystar University, more than 500 are foreign students from 39 nations, Kenya excluded.

The Chief Guest was the Chairperson, African Peer Review Panel of Eminent Persons (African Union), Prof. Olive Mugenda.

To annual event, organized by the Office of the Dean of Students, was hosted by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Laban P. Ayiro.  The Vice Chancellor was accompanied by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (ARSA), Prof. Samuel Muriithi, Deans, Directors, and the Daystar University Students Association (DUSA) Council. Their presence underscored the institution’s commitment to nurturing servant leaders capable of influencing global peace.

The Diplomatic Dinner has become a hallmark of Daystar University’s internationalization agenda, a tradition that not only celebrates cultural diversity but also strengthens ties between nations through dialogue, mentorship, and collaboration. By fostering servant leadership, the university continues to empower students to become agents of peace and transformation in their communities and beyond.

Over the years, the diplomatic dinner has served as a strategic platform for international students to engage directly with diplomats representing their home countries, with interactions opening doors for internship and job placement opportunities while enabling ambassadors and high commissioners to gain firsthand insight into the experiences of international students studying and living in Kenya.

In his remarks, Vice Chancellor noted that Africa desires peace and emphasized the need to continue empowering students through education, so they can return home equipped to build and sustain lasting peace.

“We are not just sharing a table; we are building a future tonight,” said Prof. Ayiro.

The Chief Guest, Prof. Olive Mugenda, delivered a keynote address titled “The Heart of Diplomacy: Servant Leadership as a Catalyst for Global Peace.” She observed that global peace is built by servant leaders who are humble enough to listen, brave enough to forgive, and committed enough to place global citizenship above personal interests or power.  Read her full speech here

Prof. Mugenda highlighted factors that promote global peace including well-functioning governance and the rule of law, equitable distribution of resources, free flow of information and high levels of human capital.

She further described the qualities of a servant leader, saying that a servant leader encourages shared leadership by empowering others, demonstrates empathy and high emotional intelligence, possesses foresight and acts as a steward of the future.

Prof. Mugenda emphasized that global peace cannot be achieved by institutions alone but by individuals who choose, every day, to serve. “As we celebrate this occasion, let it be more than a showcase of cultures, but a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to peace,” she said, further expressing hope that Daystar University could be the place where servant leadership is not only taught but also practiced.

On his part, the DVC-ARSA Prof. Samuel Muriithi highlighted Daystar University’s committed to offering quality education through market-driven programs, approved curricula, and modern learning facilities. “It is my hope and prayer that we will be agents of transformation, bringing hope where it is lacking and excellence wherever we go,” he stated.

The Dean of Students, Rev. Mutinda Musyimi, noted that sustainable peace is achieved not through the monopoly of power, but through mutual understanding, shared purpose, and the courageous willingness to serve across lines of nationality, culture, and creed.

“Today, we are not merely sharing a meal; we are sharing a conviction that humanity, in all its magnificent diversity, is bound together by something far greater than the borders we have drawn upon the earth,” he remarked.

The Nairobi Campus Assistant Chaplain, Pastor Felix Simotwo, emphasized that God calls us to build bridges of understanding, love, and peace, noting that servant leaders are instrumental in this mission. He encouraged attendees to unite rather than divide, to choose grace over offense, and to embrace curiosity over criticism in diverse settings.

Quoting Romans 12:18 “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” he underscored, noting that peace is intentional, requires understanding, active listening, and respect.

The evening culminated in the awarding of certificates to ISADU Committee members and cutting of a ceremonial cake.

Chief Guest, Prof. Olive Mugenda delivers her keynote address on servant leadership as a catalyst for global peace during the 16th ISADU Diplomatic Dinner held at Trademark Hotel.