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St. Paul’s University recently hosted the Post-Nicaea Conference, an international theological gathering that brought together scholars, clergy, students, and ecumenical partners from across the world to reflect on the enduring legacy of the Council of Nicaea and its relevance for contemporary social transformation.
Held under the theme “Theological Bridges: Nicaea in Conversation with Decolonial Theology and Contemporary Movements for Social Change,” the conference built on the momentum of the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, commemorated globally in 2025 during the World Council of Churches Sixth World Conference on Faith and Order in Egypt.
More than 100 participants from diverse ecclesial, academic, and cultural backgrounds gathered at St. Paul’s University in Limuru for a week of vibrant dialogue, theological reflection, and ecumenical engagement. The conference emphasized intergenerational conversations, bringing together established scholars, church leaders, and emerging theologians.
Key ecumenical partners included the World Council of Churches (WCC), Council for World Mission (CWM), World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC), All-Africa Conference of Churches (AACC), National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), and the Orthodox Seminary in Kenya.
With its 125-year legacy of ecumenical witness and theological education for social transformation, St. Paul’s University continues to provide a platform for critical theological conversations that address the pressing realities of our time.

Key Reflections from the Conference

Participants engaged in robust discussions that highlighted several important insights:

• Church and Empire: The Council of Nicaea emerged within complex relationships between church and imperial power, reminding contemporary Christians to remain attentive to the influence of political power in shaping theological discourse.
• The Creed’s Counter-Imperial Witness: Despite imperial oversight, the Nicene Creed affirms a powerful theological claim: Christ—not Caesar—is Lord, offering a vision that challenges unjust power structures.
• Human Dignity and Inclusion: The Nicene faith calls the Church to uphold the dignity of every human being, emphasizing that Christian unity must be inseparable from justice, inclusion, and respect for diverse identities.
• Justice and Peace: Participants affirmed that Christian unity must be expressed through just governance, peacebuilding, and resistance to systemic inequality.
• Holistic Flourishing: Theological reflection must engage contemporary issues such as ecological responsibility, public health, and community well-being, connecting doctrine with everyday lived realities in Africa and beyond.

A Call to Action
The conference concluded with a strong call for the global church to move toward transformative and decolonial theological engagement, including:

• Practical Decoloniality: Moving beyond rhetoric to concrete actions that dismantle colonial patterns in theology and church structures.
• Youth Inclusion: Ensuring that young people are fully involved in leadership, dialogue, and decision-making processes within church and theological spaces.
• Theology for Social Transformation: Reimagining theology as a tool for addressing urgent global challenges such as climate justice, gender justice, racial justice, and economic inequality.
• A Prophetic Church: Re-envisioning the church as a courageous space that centres marginalized voices and speaks prophetically in pursuit of justice and peace.
• Listening as a Spiritual Practice: Cultivating deep listening across generations and cultures as a pathway to healing divisions and fostering collaboration.

Looking Ahead
The Post-Nicaea Conference reaffirmed that the legacy of Nicaea is not simply a historical event but a living theological resource. In conversation with decolonial theology and contemporary movements for justice, the Nicene vision continues to inspire the church toward unity, justice, and transformative witness in today’s world.
Through gatherings such as this, St. Paul’s University remains committed to fostering theological dialogue that bridges tradition and contemporary realities, shaping a church that speaks meaningfully to the challenges of our time.

St. Paul’s University prepares to bid a heartfelt farewell to our outgoing Vice Chancellor, Rev. Canon Prof. James Kombo, Ph.D. After five years of dedicated service, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to the SPU community, Prof. Kombo’s tenure is coming to a close.

To celebrate the milestones achieved and the lives touched during his leadership, we invite all staff, students, and alumni to a special farewell ceremony.

Event Details

• Date: Wednesday, 25th February 2026
• Time: 11:00 a.m.
• Location: Student Amphitheatre, Limuru Campus
• Officiated by: The University Council Members

Reflecting on Five Years of Leadership
Prof. Kombo’s "5-year reign" as Vice Chancellor has been defined by a deep integration of academic rigor and spiritual foundation. Under his guidance, St. Paul’s University has strengthened its position as a leading private institution in the region, fostering an environment where students don't just earn degrees, but build character.

Whether it was navigating the complexities of modern higher education or engaging with students in the amphitheatre, his presence has been a cornerstone of the Limuru campus experience.

Join the Celebration
This ceremony is more than a formal goodbye; it is an opportunity for the SPU family to gather and express gratitude.

• Alumni: Come back to the Limuru hills to reconnect and honor the man who helped shape the current trajectory of your alma mater.
• Students: Join your peers in celebrating a leader who consistently prioritized the student experience.
• Staff: Let us stand together to recognize a colleague and leader who served with distinction.

"A leader’s legacy is not just in the structures built, but in the people empowered."

We look forward to seeing the amphitheatre filled with the voices and faces of those who have been part of this remarkable journey.

See you there!

The atmosphere at the Limuru Campus was one of profound gratitude and academic solemnity as the St. Paul’s University (SPU) community gathered to honor the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Canon Prof. James Kombo, Ph.D. After a distinguished five-year tenure defined by steady growth and spiritual depth, Prof. Kombo’s "reign" reached its official conclusion in a ceremony that perfectly mirrored his leadership style: orderly, Christ-centered, and deeply rooted in community.

A Tribute to Sacrificial Leadership

The ceremony was graced by the top leadership of the University and the Church. His Grace The Most Rev. Dr. Jackson Ole Sapit, the University Council Chairman and Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya, led the tributes with a powerful reflection on Prof. Kombo’s character.

The Archbishop specifically applauded Prof. Kombo for his "sacrificial leadership," noting that his time at the helm was characterized by a rare selflessness.

"Leadership in a Christian institution is not merely about management; it is a ministry," His Grace remarked. "Prof. Kombo has navigated the complexities of higher education with a compass guided by faith in God. He has sacrificed personal comfort for the sake of the SPU mission, ensuring that our students graduate not just with degrees, but with a firm moral foundation."

The Symbolic Handover: Continuity in Excellence

A pivotal moment in the ceremony occurred when the University Chancellor, Hon. Prof. Margaret Kobia, Ph.D., presided over the official handover of the Instruments of Power.

In a tradition-steeped exchange, Rev. Canon Prof. Kombo formally passed the symbols of authority—representing the university’s charter, its seal, and its academic mandate—to the incoming Ag. Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Esther Mombo.

This transition marks a new chapter for SPU. Prof. Mombo, a respected scholar and long-standing member of the SPU community, takes the mantle with the full blessing of the Council and the Chancellor.

Reflections on the "Kombo Era" (2021–2026)

As we look back on the last five years, several key pillars define the legacy Prof. Kombo leaves behind:

1. Spiritual Stewardship

Prof. Kombo ensured that the "St. Paul’s Identity" remained vibrant. He championed the integration of faith and learning, ensuring that the chapel remained the heartbeat of the campus.

2. Academic Resilience

Navigating the university through the evolving landscape of Kenyan higher education, he prioritized research, faculty development, and the maintenance of the high standards that have made SPU a preferred institution for students across Africa.

3. Institutional Stability

Through his collaborative approach with the University Council, Prof. Kombo fostered an environment of transparency and fiscal responsibility, leaving the institution on a solid footing for his successor.

The Leadership at a Glance

A Fond Farewell from the SPU Family

From the faculty who served under him to the students who were inspired by his lectures and the alumni who watched the university thrive, the message remains the same: Thank you.

Prof. Kombo’s departure is bittersweet, but his footprint on the Limuru hills and beyond is indelible. As he moves on to his next calling, the SPU community remains united in prayer for his continued success and impact.

"Well done, good and faithful servant. You have led us with grace, and we are better because of your time with us."

Wednesday, 17th February 2026, marked a significant milestone for the St. Paul’s University Alumni Association (SPUAA) as a new team of dedicated leaders was officially sworn into office. This induction ceremony wasn't just a transition of titles - it was the launch of a renewed mission focused on collaboration, growth, and the strengthening of our global alumni network.

The outgoing team, led by Samson Kiptum, ceremoniously passed the baton to the newly elected officials, headed by Mr. Charles Wachira. A visionary leader with a clear roadmap for the future, Mr. Wachira and his team are determined to steer the association to even greater heights over their three-year mandate.

A Vision for Growth and Engagement
The 2026-2028 leadership team steps into office with a deep sense of responsibility. Building on recent high-level engagements with University leadership, the new team is prioritizing:

• Structured Partnerships: Deepening the bond between the University and its graduates.
• Alumni Empowerment: Creating platforms for professional growth and networking.
• Mentorship: Establishing direct pathways for alumni to guide and inspire current students.
• Resource Mobilization: Launching strategic initiatives to support the institutional development of St. Paul’s University.

A Physical Hub for the Fraternity
In a major win for the association, the University has allocated dedicated office space and a functional secretariat at the Limuru Campus. This hub will facilitate day-to-day operations, ensuring that the association remains proactive, reachable, and connected to the heartbeat of the campus.

Introducing the SPUAA Leadership Team (2026-2028)
We are proud to introduce the men and women who will be championing the interests of our alumni over the next three years:

Executive Team:

• Charles Wachira – Chairman
• Joab Mutambai – Vice Chair
• Sylvia Karanja – Secretary General
• Joel Cherotuk – Treasurer

Regional Representatives:

• Nairobi  - Diana Mirina 
• Central  - Edwin Muhoro 
• Rift Valley - Godson Kambi Kamkea 
• Western - Vincent Wabwire 
• Nyanza - Dominic Rapudo 
• International - Prince Wafula 

A Call to Action: Walk With Us
This new chapter belongs to every one of us. The leadership remains committed to transparency, inclusivity, and active participation. Whether you are in Nairobi, the Rift Valley, or halfway across the world in our International Chapter, your voice is essential.

We invite the entire alumni family to engage, support, and help shape this next chapter together. Let’s build a dynamic association that celebrates our shared history while actively building our future.