Daystar law students hail new complex as training game-changer

A photo of the newly launched David Musau Mumama Learning Complex at Daystar University’s Athi River campus./CHRISTABEL ADHIAMBO

At Daystar University’s Athi River campus, excitement spread among School of Law students as they stepped into the newly unveiled David Musau Mumama Learning Complex, a facility many had only previously imagined until now, this moment.

For years, the school operated with limited space even as student numbers grew and expectations rose.

Now the new complex represents not only expansion but relief, opportunity, and a renewed sense of identity.

“This is something we have been waiting for,” said Brian, a law student.

“We used to hear about plans for a bigger space, and now it is real, feels like the university is finally matching our ambitions.”

Beside him, second-year student Faith echoed the sentiment, describing the moment as both exciting and motivating.

“When you walk into this place, you feel challenged to do better,” she said.

“It’s not just about having structures, it’s about the environment pushing you to take your studies seriously.”

The School of Law’s journey has been defined by growth, from a small pioneer class to a rapidly expanding programme now hosting hundreds of students.

But that growth came with pressure and, at times, real strain on students.

Brian said learning was not always straightforward, especially when classes were split between campuses.

“There were days we had to travel to the Mbagathi Road campus for some lessons,” he said.

“You had to wake up very early just to catch the bus so you don’t miss class.”

He added that the arrangement often disrupted students’ schedules.

“Sometimes your classes here and there would clash, or you’d get back late and miss something else. It wasn’t easy managing everything.”

Faith said the experience tested many students’ commitment.

“You had to really be disciplined," she said.

“If you missed that bus, your whole day could be affected.”

The new complex is expected to ease those challenges by centralising learning within one space.

“This will make a big difference in how we learn," Brian said.

“Law is not just about listening to lectures; we need space to argue, to practice, to engage. This gives us that.”

The facility includes modern lecture halls, expanded study areas and spaces designed to support both academic and practical legal training.

For Faith, the impact goes beyond convenience as she says that she now feels more confident.

“When you have a proper learning environment, you start seeing yourself differently, like you actually belong in the legal profession.”

University leaders say the complex is part of a broader vision to strengthen legal training and position the school competitively.

Daystar University School of Law Dean Maurice Owuor said the move to Athi River created room for expansion and is already allowing the school to grow in both numbers and capacity.

But for students, the meaning is more immediate, as Brian said, it shows that the university is investing in them, and when that happens, they also feel the need to invest in themselves.

That sense of responsibility was echoed across the student body during the launch.

“You can’t have facilities like this and remain average," Faith said.

Students say the improved facilities will help bridge the gap between theory and practice.

“This gives us a chance to prepare better for competitions, and for real legal work, it’s a step closer to the real world."

The School of Law has built a reputation through moot court competitions and pro bono legal clinics where students provide free legal aid.

The new complex is expected to strengthen that approach by offering more space and better resources for practical learning.

Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Samuel Muriithi said the school is among the fastest-growing in the university.

“We look forward to the day this school produces some of the top legal minds in this country," he said.

The complex stands on land donated by the David Musau Mumama family, a contribution university leaders described as transformative.

Vice Chancellor Laban Ayiro said the donation reflects a vision that goes beyond the present.

“This is a gift for a future the giver may not personally occupy," he said.

A family representative said the decision to support the university was rooted in faith and service.

“We believe in giving as an act of worship to the representative."

The complex was officially dedicated by Jackson Ole Sapit, who challenged the institution to maintain strong moral foundations in legal training.