Three Pillars of Excellence
Thought Leadership in Communication
The university has consistently played a pioneering role in providing communication education. It is essential that it continue in this role, not only by offering education in communication fields but also by providing thought leadership. This involves offering new perspectives for exploring theory, critiquing the old order while showcasing the new, clarifying concepts in an emerging field, examining the old ways, and building trust through genuine communication and dialogue. Additionally, it will guide the sector on contemporary issues with considered insight.
Research &
Publications
The African continent lags in both research and publications. As a pioneering institution and longstanding beacon of communication scholarship in the region, Daystar University is uniquely positioned to address a critical gap: the African continent's significant underrepresentation in global research output and academic publishing. The Afriscom Institute will leverage Daystar's established legacy by actively seeking partnerships, consultancies, and grants to develop innovative frameworks for understanding media behaviour, and to produce actionable models in applied and mediated communication.
Training &
Innovation
In keeping with the thought leadership pillar, the Afriscom Institute will provide opportunity for Postdoc research and publications, micro certificate programs, executive certificate programs, training in topical issues in applied and mediated communication, and serve as a centre for incubation and innovation in applied and mediated communication.
The Afriscom Institute
The African Institute of Strategic Communication, Journalism and Media Research — addressing both strategic and mediated communication needs across the continent.
The Afriscom Institute’s mandate is to advance excellence in African-led research, training, and practice in strategic communication, journalism, and media studies. The Institute will act as a centre for rigorous inquiry, professional capacity building, and knowledge translation that enhances ethical media practice, informed public discourse, and evidence-based policy engagement. Through interdisciplinary research, education, partnerships, and public engagement, the Institute will address Africa’s evolving information, technological, and socio-political challenges while promoting accountability, innovation, and inclusive development across the continent.
Our Values
Integrity & Ethical Practice
Excellence in Research
African Leadership & Voice
Innovation & Agility
Collaboration & Partnership
"To be Africa's leading institute advancing ethical, policy, evidence-driven strategic communication, journalism, and media research"
To generate and translate cutting‑edge research in strategic communication, journalism, and media studies into practice, policy, and capacity‑building that responds to Africa’s social, political, and technological challenges.
Theory of Change
If the Afriscom Institute produces rigorous Africa-led research, enhances professional skills, promotes ethics in communication, journalism, and media practice, and converts knowledge into policy, then strategic communication, journalism and media research and practice in Africa will become more credible, innovative, and socially responsive, thus leading to increased public trust, responsible institutions, and a more inclusive public discourse.
Why Nairobi.
A convergence of strategic location, institutional legacy, and unmatched human capital.
Nairobi is a vital hub in the region where the international community's interests in journalism, media, and strategic communication not only converge but could be most effectively served. Due to its strategic position on the eastern coast, Kenya's capital provides easy access to the rest of the continent through a network of international airlines and functions as a communications hub.
It serves as a springboard to the Great Lakes region, and the regional headquarters of both the East African Community in Arusha, Tanzania, and the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The city is home to numerous international agencies and indigenous Non-State Actors in need of information in journalism, media, and strategic communication.
Major international media institutions such as the BBC, Thomson Reuters, and CGTN are based in Nairobi. In fact, Nairobi is the second-largest centre for international correspondents in Africa and boasts highly skilled personnel in journalism, media, and communication. It is also increasingly recognised as a global hub for United Nations activities.
Why Daystar University
- First communication programme established in the region
- UNESCO-recognised centre of excellence
- Nearly all staff hold terminal degrees
- Six audio studios and post-production facilities
- High-speed fibre-optic networked campus
- Alumni across the globe in media and communications
- Staff serving in national policy organs
- Synonymous with communication in Kenya
- Only think tank of its kind in the region