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“A realized dream”: Catholic University of Eastern Africa Celebrated for 40 Years of Steady Growth

Credit: CUEA

On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), the university that is owned by the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) has been celebrated as “truly a realized dream”.

In his speech on Thursday, October 24, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Fr. Stephen Mbugua Ngari reflected on the milestones of the university since its inception in 1984 and said that the institution has achieved a lot both academically and in the number of learners.

“When Kenya’s Episcopal Conference in early 1980 donated land to AMECEA for the Catholic Higher Institute of Eastern Africa to be built, little did they know that this institute would grow from a Theologate with a student population of 24 into a leading University with a student population of 8,700,” Fr. Mbugua said.

“The Catholic University of Eastern Africa is truly a realized dream,” Fr. Mbugua said in a speech he delivered at the university’s main campus in Nairobi, Kenya.

The member of the Clergy of Kenya’s Nakuru Diocese said that CUEA began as a Theology Institute of Higher Learning before evolving into a full-fledged university.

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The CUEA Vice-Chancellor outlined the significance of the four-decade journey, likening it to the biblical 40 days and years, such as the Israelites’ journey to the promised land.

“CUEA is an institution that is divinely inspired,” he said, adding that the university’s transition from a theological institute to its current state has been a great milestone.

Fr. Mbugua said that the growth in population of the institution that was stablished on the land that Kenya’s Episcopal Conference donated to AMECEA in the 1980s is a manifestation of God’s divine providence.

In his speech, the Kenyan Priest lauded the founding figures of CUEA, including church leaders from the Second Ecumenical Council of the Vatican, such as Pope Paul VI, St. Pope John Paul II, and the Servant of God Maurice Michael Cardinal Otunga.

Fr. Mbugua expressed the institution's commitment to ensuring the dream of CUEA remains alive and sustainable, citing the ongoing efforts to expand its academic offerings, including plans for the Institute of Canon Law and the Department of Philosophy to be granted ecclesiastical status.

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“Plans are underway to make the Institute of Canon Law and Department of Philosophy Ecclesiastical,” the CUEA Vice Chancellor said, and added, “This will make CUEA a fully recognized Pontifical University.”

He implored, “We pray that the Dicastery of Culture and Education supports us as we commence on this ambitious journey.”

“CUEA continues to offer quality education, integrating ethical formation with academic instruction,” he said, adding, “Our other faculties, schools, and center are running and introducing new programs that are approved by our regulators who include the Commission for University Education.”

The CUEA Vice-Chancellor affirmed the university's dedication to providing innovative education that he said aims at preparing ethical leaders for both the church and society.

Fr. Mbugua also took a moment to acknowledge the key individuals and bodies that have played pivotal roles in the growth and sustainability of CUEA.

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He expressed gratitude to the university’s Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor, Board of Trustees, and University Council, stating that their dedication has been instrumental in "actualizing and keeping our forefathers’ dream alive."

The Kenyan Priest credited these stakeholders for ensuring that the vision of the founders, the AMECEA, continues to thrive.

The CUEA Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed the university’s pledge to remain steadfast in its mandate to deliver a holistic education that integrates both academic excellence and moral formation.

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.