Daystar University unveils ultra-modern building

Nairobi, Kenya: Daystar University has officially opened its new ultra-modern building in Nairobi.

Known as Daystar University Academic Centre, the seven-storey building is located at the university’s Nairobi campus off Ngong Road.

It was opened on May 27 by Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore.

According to Daystar Vice Chancellor, Timothy Wachira, the building was constructed with the aim of meeting the needs of the growing student population at the Nairobi campus. 

It can seat 2,500 students at one go and consists of a 400-seater auditorium, 44 lecture rooms, five meeting rooms, 28 offices and 84 washrooms.

Facilities

It will also have a well-equipped ICT laboratory, offices and accommodation facilities for up to six visiting faculties. 

Collymore commended the university for constructing a world class facility and challenged institutions of higher learning to collaborate with the corporate world when reviewing curriculum development, so that what is taught in class in aligned to industry needs.

He also called on universities to utilise their vast opportunities by researching and providing innovative solutions for the marketplace. 

The building was dedicated by Presiding Bishop of Christ is the Answer Ministries David Oginde who emphasised the significance of unity and the place of innovation in the Kenyan society.

Drawing an analogy between unity and the biblical story of the Tower of Babel, he said: “There is nothing we can achieve unless we are united.” According to the architect John Mutakaa of Synthesis, the design was aimed at maximising available land without the user feeling overwhelmed by the presence of the new building.

This was achieved by constructing a multi-layered, multi-purpose facilities in a concentrated area. 

A frame structure has been used with concrete pillars, slabs and beams. Some of the walls are made of lightweight concrete blocks to reduce the weight of the building and to create good acoustics that reduce noise levels.

The interiors consist of locally sourced floor ceramic tiles and gypsum partitions. The aluminium windows are large enough to allow in a lot of natural light as well as to offer good natural ventilation. 

Air conditioning has only been used for rooms that need regulated temperatures such as computer and server rooms.

The concept has utilised every space, including the rooftop, which has two meeting rooms, the top floor has the administration offices, including the Deputy Vice Chancellor’s office space and senate boardroom. 

Apartments

Also on the seventh floor are apartment accommodations for visiting faculty, two of them are one-bedroom units while four are studio apartments.

The mezzanine floor has additional meeting rooms for faculty and students.  

The building incorporates gardens and a cafeteria to enable students to socialise around the centre.

A car park silo is in consideration for the next buiding phase.