Kenya’s President Appeals to Country's Newest Catholic University to Consider Training Clergy for Other Denominations

“In the Apostles’ Creed, we say that we believe in the One, Holy, Catholic Church, even those of us who profess other faiths … I want to ask Tangaza University, recognizing that many other faiths also believe in the Holy, Catholic Church, that you also help to train clergy for other churches so that our Christianity is founded on solid understanding of the word of God,” the Kenyan Head of State said.

Established in 1986 under under the name, Theological Centre of Religious, TU had the original 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-headquartered 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.

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

In his address November 15 address, President Ruto hailed TU, the culturally diverse institution of higher learning with faculty and students of over 40 nationalities and more than 100 ICLSAL, for its commitment to nurturing “dedicated servants, and visionary leaders”.

“Today, our nation and the continent increasingly need professionals and leaders who are not only academically accomplished, but also deeply grounded in the values that enable our societies to remain resilient and dynamic, economically sufficient and competitive,” he said.

The Kenyan President added, “It is inspiring to see Tangaza University’s commitment to nurturing students who are not only well prepared academically, but also equipped to be good citizens, dedicated servants, and visionary leaders. This is an important accomplishment, and I commend you for it, because values matter as much as knowledge.”

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

In a testimony published in TU Postgraduate Magazine and shared with ACI Africa, Nazarene Mckenna looked back at her academic journey at TU, “balancing school, work, and life”.

The Kenyan Administrative Secretary at TU’s Institute of Social Communication (ISC) recalled “times when it seemed like I was drowning in information, trying to make sense of it all while also figuring out how to put my own spin on things.”

Nazarene Mckenna. Credit: Nazarene Mckenna/Facebook

“Yet, as difficult as the journey was, it also turned out to be incredibly rewarding. My supervisors were true lifesavers; patient, supportive, and always ready to lend an ear right when I needed it the most,” Nazarene reflected in the publication she also shared on her Facebook page.

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Having enrolled in the postgraduate program at TU’s Centre for Leadership and Management (CLM), she recalled “the unique opportunity to travel abroad for a summer school and to attend multiple local and international conferences.”

“I stepped outside my comfort zone and into a whole new world, soaking in new experiences and meeting incredible people. It wasn’t just about hitting the books; it was about exploring different cultures, sharing insights with peers from around the globe, and making memories that I will forever cherish,” Nazarene, who obtained a master’s degree in Ethics and Organizational Leadership during the TU November 15 inaugural graduation recalled. 

Credit: Nazarene Mckenna/Facebook

Nazarene further reflected at her academic journey as having accorded her an opportunity for growth. 

“I have learned that every moment is a chance to grow. Celebrate the wins, but do not shy away from the missteps; they are often where the real lessons lie,” she said, adding, “Postgraduate studies are not about being perfect; they’re about persistence and learning how to roll with the punches.”

Nazarene Mckenna. Credit: Nazarene Mckenna/Facebook

In his address during the November 15 TU inaugural graduation, the President of Kenya called on all educational institutions in the Eastern African nation to prepare learners capable of contributing to a better society, a better country and a better world. 

Urging TU’s pioneer graduands to hold onto the values and mission of the jointly-owned Catholic institution, Ruto said, “It is not enough to learn about ideas in class. It is vital that you bring these ideas to life through your actions both at work and in our communities. In this way, your service will spur transformation wherever you go and life changing.”

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

President Ruto expressed optimism that the TU pioneer graduands would embark on servant leadership in their communities after the graduation.

He urged them to allow themselves to be guided by patriotism, integrity, empathy, and a commitment to the welfare of others.

In his address, the President of Kenya also urged TU, the country’s newest Catholic University, to be keen not to be “a jack of all trades and a master of none” even as it seeks to grow.

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

“I know the university is expanding its horizons, now that you have a charter,” President Ruto said, and added, “I want to encourage you to create a niche that will be an envy of many.”

“There is a temptation in our institutions of higher learning to do too many courses and end up being a jack of all trades, and a master of none. I want to ask you to be a master of something as you focus on the future of this university,” he said.

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

The Kenyan Head of State encouraged TU to explore Mathematics and Sciences in its School of Education, noting the scarcity of teachers of those subjects in the country.

Describing TU as “a young university that requires support”, President Ruto pledged KES.50 million (US$.386,000.00) towards the establishment of the institution’s envisioned resource centre.