By Tracy Kavai
The Daystar University Students Association (DUSA) hosted a Financial Literacy Forum under the theme “Money, Freedom and Choices” on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the Main Campus Amphitheatre in Athi River. The event, which ran from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., attracted a vibrant turnout from students across the university community.
The forum brought together experts from the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK), the National Treasury of Kenya, ICEA Lion Group, and CIC Asset Management to unpack critical issues around personal finance, including budgeting, savings, and investments.
Delivering the keynote address, CPA Stanley Mutua, CEO of Lofty‑Corban Investments, spoke on the theme “Money, Freedom and Choices.” He reminded students that money is more than currency, describing it as a tool that provides independence, stability, solvency, and peace of mind.
“Most financial stress comes from the lack of a simple plan. Begin with savings, build an emergency fund, and then invest wisely. Debt is the fastest way to lose freedom, pay off expensive loans first, then invest consistently,” he said.
Mutua also challenged students to adopt a 7‑Day Financial Action Plan to take immediate control of their finances. The plan encourages students to write a budget separating needs, wants, and goals; identify and eliminate at least two spending leaks; open or activate a savings or money market fund; set up automatic weekly transfers; learn one investing concept such as inflation, compounding, or risk; explore a side‑income idea based on their skills; and review their progress over 30 days.
He further simplified investing by linking traditional asset classes to practical student realities: preservation through savings and money market funds, income through bonds and dividends, growth through equities and balanced funds, and longevity through diversified, long-term investments.
Also contributing to the forum, Aguyah Wilfred Aguya, a Financial Advisor at the ICEA Lion Group, emphasized the importance of discipline and consistency in investing. He encouraged students to avoid debt-driven investments, diversify their portfolios, and focus on long-term compounding strategies to build wealth.
Elizabeth Mureithi, Wealth Advisor at CIC Asset Management, urged students to recognize and develop their God-given talents and skills as a foundation for financial independence. She highlighted those personal abilities, whether academic, creative, or entrepreneurial, can be nurtured into sustainable income streams and long-term opportunities.
DUSA Treasurer Purity Wangui reinforced the importance of financial literacy, noting that the forum aimed to equip students with practical life skills beyond the classroom.
“We want Daystar students to leave here not only with academic knowledge but also with the ability to make smart financial choices that shape their future,” she said.
The event offered more than just learning. Attendees enjoyed refreshments, free Red Bull cans, and transport arranged for students traveling from the Valley Road campus.
The forum was made possible through the support of sponsors including the Daystar School of Business & Economics, ICPAK, ICEA Lion Group, CIC Asset Management, Red Bull, and Zhele V3/Shelev X3. Their partnership highlighted the importance of empowering young people with financial knowledge and practical skills.
By the end of the forum, students left inspired to take greater control of their financial futures through informed decision-making, disciplined saving and investing, and responsible financial leadership.