Agreement Between Daystar University and Israeli Embassy Meets Public Condemnation in Kenya.
A Kenyan University Cancels Agreement with Israeli Government to Establish Sion Forest Amid Public Backlash Over Gaza Conflict
A Kenyan university has canceled its agreement with the Israeli government to establish a Sion Forest on its campus following public outrage over the war in Gaza.
Daystar University, located in the capital Nairobi, signed an agreement with the Israeli Embassy earlier this week to plant over 5,000 trees on the campus.
However, Kenyans expressing solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza, where Israel has killed over 45,000 Palestinians since the war began in October 2023, condemned the agreement.
In a statement released by the university on Tuesday, Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Laban Ayiro was quoted saying, “We do not support the ongoing humanitarian conflict in the Middle East in any way. Daystar University values the sanctity of life and advocates for humanity to live together in peace.”
The university also stated, “We are aware of the pain we have unintentionally caused our people, and we sincerely apologize.”
Pressure is growing globally on universities to sever ties with Israel and companies believed to be complicit in the war.
Social Media Petition
The cancellation of the agreement came after an online petition, supported by former students of the university, was launched on social media.
The Israeli Embassy had stated that the forest at Daystar University was initiated by Kenya’s First Lady, Rachel Ruto, and would “stand as a monument to the friendship between Israel and Kenya.”
The university’s rector has since deleted posts on the X platform announcing the agreement.
