Daystar University has canceled an agreement it made with the Israeli Embassy in Kenya on Monday, which would have seen over 5,000 indigenous trees planted on the university’s main campus in Athi River as part of a broader project called the Zion Forest.
The decision was announced by Daystar Vice Chancellor, Prof. Laban Ayiro, in a statement on Wednesday.
This follows a public outcry on social media from some Kenyans who criticized the university for striking the deal with Israel amid the ongoing Gaza conflict, which has resulted in the deaths of around 45,000 Palestinians.
In his statement, Prof. Ayiro emphasized that Daystar University has maintained a neutral stance on the Gaza War and upholds the sanctity of all life.
“We are not in any way supporting the ongoing humanitarian conflict in the Middle East.
Daystar University values the sanctity of life and advocates for the peaceful coexistence of humanity,” Ayiro said, as quoted by The Nation.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Israeli Ambassador to Kenya, Michael Lotem, and Prof.
Ayiro on Monday, with the Israeli Embassy announcing the agreement on social media.
According to the embassy, the Zion Forest project was intended to create a dynamic green space, enhancing the learning environment for students at Daystar’s Athi River campus, while strengthening relations between Nairobi and Jerusalem.
The project had been initiated by First Lady Rachel Ruto and Yahel Margovsky-Lotem, the wife of Ambassador Lotem.
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