Pioneer Class of Kenya’s Newest Catholic University Urged to Spur Change, “to be a voice for the voiceless”

Alluding to the Principles of Catholic Social Teaching, he said that TU, an institution that is jointly owned by 22 Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life (ICLSAL), is built  upon core values that reflect a deep commitment to humanity, and the greater common good.

“We hold as central, the principle of preferential treatment of the poor and the vulnerable, a value rooted in our mission to stand in solidarity with those who are marginalized,” the TU official said at the November 15 inaugural graduation realized under the theme, “Celebrating a new dawn for greater service to Church and Society”.

Credit: Institute of Social Communication (ISC)/Tangaza University

Reminding the graduates to always practice compassion and empathy as upheld by their alma mater, Dr. Muhoho said, “Strive to be a voice for the voiceless and advocate for the less fortunate, and champions for justice and equity.”

He emphasized the need for altruism, saying, “Let your work and character reflect a commitment to lift others up, for greatness does not lie in personal gain but in service to others.” 

“I urge you to see your success, not only as a personal achievement, but as an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others,” the Chair of TU Council told the pioneer graduates of the 38-year-old institution that started off under the name, Theological Centre of Religious.

Credit: Institute of Social Communication (ISC)/Tangaza University

He also reminded the graduands to be the voice of nature, underlining the “unprecedented challenges” that he said the planet earth faces. 

TU was granted a charter to confer degrees and certificates by Kenya’s President, William Samoei Ruto on May 2 after many years of consistency in offering quality education.

President William Samoei Ruto. Credit: Institute of Social Communication (ISC)/Tangaza University

At its establishment in 1986, TU had the aim to form members of ICLSAL for ministry in the Church and society in Africa. Servant of God Maurice Michael Cardinal Otunga, then Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi (ADN), blessed and formally inaugurated the institution on 30 October 1987.

Credit: Institute of Social Communication (ISC)/Tangaza University

Since 1992, when the Nairobi-based Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) was granted the Charter in Kenya, the administratively autonomous then Tangaza University College (TUC) became one of its constituent colleges.

The institution has been offering certificate, diploma, and undergraduate programs in its various institutes, several masters programs, and a doctoral program at the Institute of Social Transformation (IST).

The May 2 Charter award was the culmination of the process that started in 2013 following the change in the regulations around the governance of universities and constituent colleges as stipulated in Kenya’s University Act, 2012.

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Credit: Institute of Social Communication (ISC)/Tangaza University

With faculty and students of over 40 nationalities and more than 100 ICLSAL, the Karen-based TU is a culturally diverse institution of higher learning.

In his November 15 address, Dr. Muhoho lauded TU’s promotion of diversity and inclusivity. He said the university recognizes that each individual brings a unique perspective and voice in the running of the institution. 

The TU official urged the pioneer graduates to remain true to TU’s culture of inclusivity, saying, “I encourage you to be open-minded and respectful of people. Let us move beyond tolerance and build a culture of deep inclusion where differences are celebrated and respected.”

Credit: Institute of Social Communication (ISC)/Tangaza University

He acknowledged that TU’s journey to being a full-fledged university “was no small feat”, noting that the charter award “took years of hard work and relentless pursuit of quality education.”

In his speech, the Chancellor of TU, Fr. Edward Etengu echoed the sentiments of the Chair of TU Council, urging the graduands to be guided by the principles they had been imparted with at the institution. 

Addressing the graduands, Fr. Etengu said, “You stand as the first class to carry the name of Tangaza University into the world, and with that comes great responsibility.”

Credit: Institute of Social Communication (ISC)/Tangaza University

“You have been equipped with knowledge and skills and a moral compass rooted in the values of service , of integrity, and passion,” the Chancellor of TU  told the university’s pioneer graduating class, and added, “Now, as you go forth, may you serve with distinction, guided by the principles you have learnt here, and make meaningful contributions to  both the Church and society.”

Fr. Etengu noted that the theme that was selected for the university’s inaugural graduation captures the essence of TU, “one of renewal, of purpose and of deepened commitment to service.”

In his address, the Vice Chancellor of TU, Fr. Prof. Patrick Mwania described the university’s inaugural graduation as “a defining moment” in the life of the jointly-owned institution.

Fr. Prof. Patrick Mwania. Credit: Institute of Social Communication (ISC)/Tangaza University

“Today we witness the fruits of our collective labour, dedication, and dreams as we hold our inaugural graduation ceremony,” Fr. Mwania said, and added, “Today is a testament of the courage and steadfast pursuit of excellence in higher education.”

The Kenyan member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Holy Ghost Fathers/Spiritans/CSSp.), one of the founding member ICLSAL, said that from inception, TU has been offering programs designed to not only equip students with skills for the job market, but to inspire them to become job creators.

He said that TU is committed to being an institution that not only imparts knowledge, but also plays a role in solving the pressing challenges that our society faces.

Credit: Institute of Social Communication (ISC)/Tangaza University

The aim of the jointly-owned institution of higher learning, the VC said, is to be at the forefront of educational reform, pioneering research and innovation. 

“As an institution of higher learning that is faith-based, we are aware of our role to collaborate with the government and others to be creators and not just consumers of knowledge and innovation. This is achieved through quality teaching and research in innovative discoveries,” he said. 

The Spiritan Priest added, “It is my belief that the graduates who are today being churned out are such creators of innovation.”

Credit: Institute of Social Communication (ISC)/Tangaza University

Also gracing TU’s inaugural graduation event was President Ruto, who challenged the graduands to confront challenges in society with courage, and with the knowledge and skills they had acquired at the Catholic institution.

“You step into an increasingly complex, dynamic and volatile world,” President Ruto told TU pioneer graduands, and continued, “Governments, communities, and households face immense challenges from unemployment to public health challenges, climate change, environmental degradation, food and water insecurity, cyberthreats, technological disruptions, and geopolitical tensions.”

“Resources are limited, and opportunities are few,” the Kenyan President said, and reminded the TU pioneer graduands that the East African country, in particular, needs visionary leadership that he said can “inspire and coordinate effective outcomes.”

Credit: Institute of Social Communication (ISC)/Tangaza University

“Now more than ever, the world needs ethically grounded leaders to serve boldly, work tirelessly, and embrace accountability,” President Ruto said.

He acknowledged with appreciation TU’s policy of promoting diversity and inclusivity, saying it had fostered a community where people of all backgrounds, faiths, and abilities learn and grow together. 

Credit: Institute of Social Communication (ISC)/Tangaza University

“I encourage you to carry this spirit of tolerance and solidarity into every new space that you encounter, and to be champions of respect, inclusion, and understanding,” the President of Kenya said during the TU November 15 inaugural graduation.