Daystar University Hosts Colombian Ambassador and Batuta Foundation for Musical Exchange

Daystar University hosts Colombian Ambassador (extreme right) and Batuta Foundation for musical exchange at the Main Campus Athi River

By Deborah Shilako

[Athi River Campus: July 16, 2025] The Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic, Research and Student Affairs, and the School of Communication, Department of Language and Performing Arts, hosted the Colombian Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Mr. Pedro Cortes Ruiz.

The Ambassador was accompanied by representatives from the esteemed Batuta Foundation. This visit marked the beginning of mutually beneficial relationship between the University and the nation of Colombia through its embassy in Nairobi.

The Colombian Ambassador encountered the Daystar University Choir at the Philippines Embassy in Nairobi, where the choir performed during the celebrations of the Philippines culture. During the event, Mr. Pedro Cortes Ruiz captivated by the choir's exceptional talent, and was inspired to initiate a partnership between the Daystar University and the Batuta Foundation, through the Colombian Embassy.

Based in Colombia, the Batuta Foundation is a public-private non-profit initiative dedicated to providing music education to underprivileged youth, particularly those coming from communities beset by conflict, displacement, and poverty.

The foundation uses music as a tool for empowerment and social action. Several students from the Foundation participated in the enriching musical and cultural exchange which took place at Daystar University Main Campus Athi River.

As part of the visit, the guests toured the Athi River Campus where they were introduced to the institution’s history and milestones. 

During the Ambassador’s courtesy call on the DVC Academic, Research and Student Affairs, Prof. Samuel Mureithi welcomed the request to collaborate with Colombia, saying relationship between both parties should transcend music to encompass other mutually beneficial domains.

The courtesy call and campus tour was followed by a time of vibrant musical exchange between the University Choir and students from the Batuta Foundation.

The students from the Batuta Foundation performed a selection of Spanish songs rooted in Colombian heritage, interwoven with African influences. Notably, they showcased the groulo dance, an intricate and delicate art form that harmonizes song and dance.

The Daystar University choir also rendered several pieces, with 'Malaika' being particularly noteworthy. A collaborative dance performance followed, uniting the two groups in a celebration of cultural synergy.

In his address after the musical presentations, Ambassador Cortez Ruiz expressed profound gratitude to Daystar University’s warm hospitality. He elaborated that the musical exchange was part of a broader initiative by the Colombian government to reconnect with Africa. He highlighted that Colombia possesses a significant population of African descent and underscored the importance of reclaiming equality and inclusion for this community. He asserted that part of this endeavor would be realized through rekindling ties with Africa. The Ambassador also conveyed the hope that renewed connections with Africa would facilitate opportunities to address mutual challenges and foster meaningful partnerships.

The event ended on a high note, with shared optimism and a clear commitment to future collaboration between Daystar University and the Colombian Embassy in Nairobi.