Daystar University
Nairobi, Kenya • Founded 1974
Updated May 2026
Overview
Established in 1989, the Daystar University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Nairobi (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants).
Officially recognized by the Commission for University Education of Kenya, Daystar University (DU) is a very small-sized coeducational Kenyan higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Interdenominational religion. Daystar University (DU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 35-year-old Kenyan higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 80-89% making this Kenyan higher education organization a least selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
DU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
For visits or applications to Daystar University, location and primary contact details are below. Open days are typically announced via social channels — follow them to receive event notifications.
Academic Details
Daystar University's institutional metrics — useful for sizing it against other shortlisted universities. The proportion of academic staff with doctorates correlates with research output and graduate-school admissions.
Academic Structures
Daystar University's teaching architecture in the units below. New faculties (formed in the last decade) signal where the institution is investing for the future.
Unit 5 items
- School of Arts & HumanitiesSchool of Business & EconomicsSchool of Communication
- School of Human and Social Sciences
- School of Law
- School of Nursing
- School of Science, Engineering and Health
Degrees
Daystar University's study routes by degree level. Professional degrees (LLB, MD, BPharm) have their own conventions distinct from purely academic awards.
Bachelor's 36 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Accountancy
- Actuarial Science
- Business Administration
- Business Education
- Business and Commerce
- Communication Studies
- Computer Education
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Education
- English
- Environmental Studies
- French
- Health Sciences
- Information Technology
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Literature
- Logistics Management
- Marketing
- Mathematics
- Mathematics Education
- Media Studies
- Music
- Music Education
- Nursing
- Peace and Disarmament
- Physics
- Preschool Education
- Religious Education
- Religious Studies
- Sales Techniques
- Social Work
- Social and Community Services
- Swahili
- Theology
- Transport Management
Master's 18 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Business Administration
- Child Care and Development
- Christian Religious Studies
- Clinical Psychology
- Communication Studies
- Development Studies
- Economics
- Education
- Finance
- Human Resources
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Leadership
- Management
- Marketing
- Media Studies
- Psychology
- Social and Community Services
- Theology
Doctoral 6 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Business Administration
- Clinical Psychology
- Communication Studies
- Development Studies
- Management
- Psychology
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Commission for University Education of Kenya.
Applied Human Sciences (School) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Child Care and Development
- Development Studies
- Psychology
- Social and Community Services
- Social Studies
- Social Work
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Arts and Social Sciences (School) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Christian Religious Studies
- Education
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Peace and Disarmament
- Theology
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Business and Economics (School) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Business Computing
- Economics
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Leadership
- Management
- Marketing
- Sales Techniques
- Transport Management
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Communication (School) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Communication Studies
- English
- French
- Literature
- Media Studies
- Music
- Swahili
Common Career Paths
- Journalist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Content Strategist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Human and Social Sciences (School) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Child Care and Development
- Clinical Psychology
- Development Studies
- Family Studies
- Psychology
- Rehabilitation and Therapy
- Social Work
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Nursing (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Nursing
Common Career Paths
- Registered Nurse
- Clinical Nurse
- Public Health Nurse
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science, Engineering and Health (School) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Actuarial Science
- Applied Mathematics
- Biomedicine
- Computer Science
- Environmental Studies
- Health Sciences
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Statistics
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Search and filter Daystar University's available programmes by degree level. The list reflects the institution's current catalogue and may not include programmes that are paused or pending approval.
57 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Kenya
Bachelor's Degree 35 programmes
Showing 10 of 35.
Master's Degree 16 programmes
Showing 10 of 16.
Doctorate 4 programmes
Postgraduate Diploma 2 programmes
How to apply to Daystar University
Application guidance for Daystar University, structured as five practical steps with attention to documents and admissions communication.
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1
Browse the programme catalogue
Daystar University's catalogue includes 57 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
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2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Daystar University's admissions process.
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3
Get your documents ready
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
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4
Apply through the official channel
Submit your completed application through Daystar University's official website at www.daystar.ac.ke. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
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5
Reach out and track your application
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +254 (20) 272 3002. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about Daystar University
The questions below summarise Daystar University's vital institutional details — useful as a quick reference before drilling into specific sections.
When did Daystar University open?
Daystar University traces its founding to 1974 (approximately 52 years ago).
Where can I find Daystar University?
The institution is located in Nairobi, Kenya.
Is Daystar University public or private?
It is a private higher-education institution.
How many students does Daystar University have?
The institution has a student body of 1,000-1,999.
What degrees does Daystar University offer?
Daystar University offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
Is Daystar University affiliated with a religion?
Yes, Daystar University is affiliated with Christian-Interdenominational.
How is Daystar University organised academically?
Daystar University has 5 academic units.
Is Daystar University accredited?
The institution holds recognition from Commission for University Education (CUE).
How do I find Daystar University online?
The institution's website is www.daystar.ac.ke.
Top-Ranked Universities in Kenya
The institutions topping Kenya's rankings give national context for Daystar University. Context matters because employer perception in Kenya often correlates with national rankings.
Members of Association of African Universities (AAU)
Membership renewal cycles for Association of African Universities (AAU) create periodic quality reviews. Recent renewals or admissions to the network signal currency of standards — older memberships may need re-examination.
Other Kenyan Universities Affiliated with Christian-Interdenominational
Beyond Daystar University, several other universities affiliated with Christian-Interdenominational operate with similar values, campus life, and pastoral support — useful comparisons if faith identity is part of your decision. Pastoral support varies meaningfully between affiliated institutions.
Faculties at nearby universities
Below are universities sharing regional libraries and consortia with Daystar University. Library reciprocity and shared databases can extend research access beyond what any single institution offers alone.
Where Else to Study Communication Studies
If Daystar University is on your shortlist for studying Communication Studies, these peer institutions in Kenya offer comparable academic depth, industry links, and graduate outcomes. Cross-applying to multiple is common practice in this discipline.
Universities Compared with Daystar University
International branch campuses are common among universities at Daystar University's tier. Peer institutions often operate in similar geographies, signalling comparable global ambition.
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