Don and Faye Smith share
how they started the ministry of Daystar

Please read more of the history of Daystar below.

1967- U.S. Missionaries Dr. Donald and Mrs. Faye Smith and South African, Dr. S.E. Motsoko Pheko started Daystar Ministries in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe which later was renamed as “Daystar Communications”.

Before that, three men (Corrie Marais. Dennis Payne, and Doug Fuzzey) operated a publication as “the Rhodesian Christian Press”. They invited the Smiths to be their Publishing Consultants during very difficult times in South Africa, and the closure of a very fruitful ministry of the Our Africa by the mission under which they were serving. They were a great encouragement and financial partners in this ministry. Without them, the Smiths would not have been able to stay in Africa despite Dr. and Mrs. Smith’s very strong commitment to Africa and its people.

During the Smith’s strong partnership and friendship with Dr. Pheko, he had a strong vision of high-level training that grew into Daystar. While in exile, working in Geneva and New York, representing South African refugees, Dr. Pheko earned two doctorates, was admitted to practice law at Zambia's supreme court, among other accomplishments. He has written over 30 books, half of which are clear Gospel proclamations. Recently, the University of South Africa, honored him with a special celebration giving tribute to his lifetime work as a scholar, author, and Freedom Fighter (he never carried a weapon, just his voice and pen.) He was asked to return and enter S.A. Parliament by Mandela, where he served for 10 years.

1968- The founding Daystar US Board was formed in Eugene, Oregon.  For the first 10 years, that group of then young Christian businessmen gave solid support, often sacrificially, that made Daystar possible. 

Beginning in 1974, with the help of U.S. supporters (especially through a large grant program through the Tyndale Foundation), the Nairobi property is acquired and developed as the campus for “Daystar Communications” which became “Daystar University College”.

1976- The Afro-Asian Daystar Board is formed.

1977- The MA in Communications was accredited by the North Central Accrediting Association - as a recognized partnership between Wheaton College and Daystar.

1978- Daystar celebrates its first graduation of four degree recipients in the MA in Communications from Wheaton College at the Nairobi campus.

1979- Dr. Stephen Talitwala from Uganda is selected to become the first Daystar President (Executive Director/Vice-Chancellor).

1982- Daystar U.S. is officially established in the U.S. as a non-profit to support Daystar University. All management is officially transferred from Daystar U.S. Board to the African Daystar Board under the leadership of the first chairman, James Mageria.

1982- Stephen Talitwala wrote to supporters about the need for a Christian college with an accredited B.A. program for Africa after returning from a trip to the U.S. “Many of the students completing their Diploma at Daystar this year are looking to the United States to finish their B.A. degrees. A larger number of other Daystar alumni who were unable to go overseas are regularly inquiring about our plans to set up a B.A program here in Nairobi. Our meetings with church leaders from various African countries have convinced us that the B.A. program which we hope to start soon is not a luxury. Consider the fact that aspiring students would not have to spend large amounts of money to fly overseas, or even live and study on a foreign college campus; and think of how much better it would be for them to study nearer their families and within their own African continent. Lack of available educational institutes is also another factor to consider: there is only one Christian college with an accredited B.A. program in all of Africa. Many church leaders cannot get Christian education except by going overseas. May I appeal to you to join us in praying that God will touch the hearts of his people to help us build at Daystar a fully accredited college for Africa?”

1984- Daystar, in collaboration with Messiah College and President Dr. Ray Hostetter, launches a liberal arts bachelor’s degree program.

1987- The first class of fourteen Daystar B.A. students graduate.

1990- With support from many Daystar U.S. donors, construction of Athi River campus begins.

Beginning in 1992- Daystar moves its main campus to the Athi River site.

1994- Daystar becomes “Daystar University” after it is awarded it’s charter by the President of Kenya.

1998- Daystar enrollment reaches over 1800 students from 25 African countries with more than 7,000 Daystar alumni are working in nearly 40 countries.

2001- Enrollment reaches over 2,000 for first time. With the help of U.S. supporters, the 50,000 square foot Bible, Business, and Commerce complex is completed. Daystar Radio station is established with help from U.S. partners.

2005- Dr. Godfrey Nguru becomes 2nd Daystar President (Vice-Chancellor), Dr. Florence Muli-Musiime becomes the 1st female university Chancellor in all of Africa.

2007- First of four Science Buildings completed with the help of U.S. supporters.

2010- Dr. Timothy Wachira becomes 3rd Daystar President (Vice-Chancellor). Enrollment is over 4,000 students.

2011- Daystar University recognized as the most influential Christian institution of higher education in Africa for Christian leadership development.

2012- The Science and Technology Building and new dormitories are completed on the Athi River campus with major gifts from U.S. foundations and families.

2018- Daystar celebrates its 40th graduation with class of 684 graduates and enrollment at over 5,000. Over 20,000 Daystar alumni are impacting communities throughout Africa.

2019- Dr. Laban Ayiro becomes Daystar’s 4th President (Vice-Chancellor).