ST. PAUL'S UNIVERSITY The University of Choice!

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the latest edition of Canvas Magazine, the premier publication for students, by students at St. Paul’s University. This semester’s issue captures a season of transformation, leadership, and vibrant campus life that you won’t want to miss.

A Message from the New Editor-in-Chief

This issue marks a significant milestone as we welcome our new Editor-in-Chief, Jemimah Kithinji, who takes the helm from Jetinah Khamasi. Jemimah is committed to ensuring Canvas remains an authentic voice for student life, academic culture, and thought-provoking dialogue within the St. Paul’s community.

Inside This Issue: Highlights & Top Stories

• New Leadership, Fresh Possibilities: Follow the historic transition at SPU as we welcome our new Vice Chancellor, Prof. Esther Mombo, and bid a heartwarming farewell to Rev. Canon Prof. James Kombo after his impactful five-year tenure.
• The Future of Communication: St. Paul’s University has been selected to host the 16th East African Communication Association (EACA) Annual Conference in August 2026. This prestigious event will focus on the theme: "Reimagining Communication In Africa: AI, Media Innovation, and Global Collaboration".
• Democratic Milestones: Dive into our coverage of the SPUSA Elections 2026, a journey that highlighted the importance of transparency and student engagement, resulting in the election of Kateria David as the new SPUSA Chairperson.
• Innovation & Global Preparation: Read about the Startup Training for African Revival in Kenya (IPARK), which is fostering global partnerships and equipping students with industry trends for global service.
• Voices of the Students: Don't miss personal reflections like "Voice Victory Vision" by Sabina Nzuna, the Limuru Campus Vice Chairperson, on the true meaning of leadership and service.
• Creative & Campus Life: Explore everything from the university’s melodic choir and karate kicks to drama trophies and book reviews.

Explore the Full Edition

Whether you are interested in the latest academic breakthroughs, student leadership updates, or cultural highlights, this issue has something for everyone.

Click Here to Read the January - April 2026 Edition of Canvas Magazine

St. Paul’s University (SPU) continues to cement its position as a leading institution of higher learning through strategic engagement and ecclesiastical partnerships. From April 7th to 11th, 2026, a high-level delegation from the university, led by the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Esther Mombo, participated in the Presbyterian Church of East Africa’s (PCEA) 2nd General Administration Committee (GAC) of the 24th General Assembly.

The event, hosted at the Starbuck Hotel in Eldoret, served as a platform for reflection, governance, and the strengthening of ties between the academia and the church.

A Gathering of Visionary Leadership

The assembly was graced by distinguished leaders who play a pivotal role in the governance and spiritual guidance of St. Paul’s University. Key figures in attendance included:

• The Rt. Rev. Dr. Thegu Mutahi: Moderator of the PCEA and Chairman of the SPU Board of Trustees (BOT).

• The Rev. David Leting: Moderator of the Reformed Church of East Africa (RCEA) and member of the BOT.

• Rev. Canon Chris Kinyanjui: General Secretary of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) and member of the University Council.

A highlight of the event was the visit of Rev. Canon Chris Kinyanjui to the #SPU Marketing Tent, where he engaged with the team and signed the visitors’ book, symbolizing the enduring support of the NCCK toward the university’s mission.

The Vice-Chancellor’s Address

During her address to the Committee, Prof. Esther Mombo emphasized the university’s commitment to providing "Education for a Whole Person." She highlighted the critical role that church-sponsored institutions play in shaping not just the intellectual capacity of students, but their moral and ethical foundations in a rapidly changing world.

"Our presence here reaffirms the deep-rooted relationship between St. Paul’s University and its founding churches. We remain dedicated to excellence, innovation, and the spiritual well-being of our community." — Prof. Esther Mombo

Representing the SPU Excellence

Prof. Mombo was accompanied by a robust team representing the core pillars of the university’s operations:

This diverse team engaged with delegates to discuss the university's progress in research, digital innovation, and academic expansion, ensuring that the PCEA fraternity remains well-informed about the strides the institution is making.

Looking Ahead

As the 24th General Assembly concludes, St. Paul’s University remains energized by the shared vision of its stakeholders. The interactions in Eldoret underscore the university's resolve to remain a beacon of hope and a center for academic rigor within the East African region.

The transition from high school to higher education is one of life’s most pivotal moments. However, for the Class of 2026, the stakes feel different. We are no longer operating in a stable environment where a specific degree guarantees a specific desk job for forty years.

Instead, we are navigating a VUCA landscape: Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous. To help students and families make sense of this shift, St. Paul’s University-Kenya is proud to host a specialized virtual webinar: “Choosing a Career Path in a VUCA World.”

What Exactly is a "VUCA" World?

In the past, career paths were linear. Today, technology evolves faster than curriculum, and global shifts can change the job market overnight. A "VUCA" world demands more than just technical knowledge; it demands adaptability, foresight, and strategic alignment. This webinar isn't just a presentation; it’s a roadmap for survival and success in an era of rapid change.

Meet Your Facilitator: Prof. Abraham Waithima

Leading this session is Prof. Abraham Waithima, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) at St. Paul’s University. With years of experience in academic leadership and a deep understanding of the intersection between education and the labor market, Prof. Waithima brings a wealth of practical wisdom to the table. He will break down complex market trends into actionable advice for students and guardians alike.

Deep Dive: What We Will Cover

This two-hour intensive session is designed to tackle the most pressing questions facing graduates today:

• Moving Beyond Passion: While "follow your passion" is common advice, it can be misleading. We will discuss how to balance what you love with what the world actually needs.

• Resilience Against Peer Pressure: Choosing a course because your best friend is doing it is a recipe for career dissatisfaction. Learn how to identify your individual path.

• Identifying Future-Proof Industries: Which sectors are growing? Which are being automated? We will highlight the "green zones" of the 2026-2030 economy.

• The Triangle of Success: We will teach you how to align three critical pillars:

  1. Your Personality: Understanding your natural temperament.

  2. Your Skills: Developing competencies that are hard to replace.

  3. Market Demand: Identifying where the high-growth opportunities lie.

A Call to Parents, Teachers, and Guardians

Career guidance is a collaborative effort. Often, parents and teachers use frameworks from a decade ago that may no longer apply. This webinar provides a dedicated space for influencers to learn how to offer relevant support that empowers the student without stifling their potential.

Event Schedule & Registration

• Date: Thursday, 16th April 2026

• Time: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (East Africa Time)

• Target Audience: KCSE Candidates, High School Graduates, International Students, Parents, and Career Guidance Counselors.

Don’t leave your future to chance. Join a community of forward-thinking learners and experts to gain the clarity you need to move forward.

To register, click here https://forms.gle/yd4xJDzzvriiTk1C8

Last weekend, the crisp air of the Kimende forest was filled with laughter and the spirit of camaraderie as our international student community stepped out of the classroom and into the wild. Hosted at the Forest Adventure Centre, the excursion was designed to give our global scholars a taste of Kenya’s stunning natural beauty while fostering deep connections outside the academic grind.

More Than Just a Walk in the Woods

The day was spearheaded by Dr. Wanjugu Wachira (Coordinator in charge of Partnerships and Collaboration) and Mr. Michael Mungai (Head of Corporate Affairs). Their goal? To create an environment where students from across the globe could break down cultural barriers and simply enjoy being part of a vibrant, diverse community.

"It’s about more than just fun; it’s about creating a home away from home," noted the organizers. "Seeing students from different backgrounds networking and supporting one another during team-building exercises is exactly what international collaboration looks like in action."

Highlights of the Day

The itinerary was packed with high-energy activities and serene moments of reflection:

• Nature Walks: A journey through the lush trails of Kimende, allowing students to experience the unique flora and fauna of the region.

• Team Building: Strategic games that required communication, trust, and a bit of competitive spirit.

• Networking: Casual sessions where students shared stories about their home countries and their experiences living and studying in Kenya.

Building Bridges, One Step at a Time

Easter is a time for renewal, and there was no better way to celebrate than by renewing our commitment to a global campus culture. By the time the buses headed back, new friendships had been forged, and the "international" label felt a little less like a category and more like a family.

A huge thank you to the Forest Adventure Centre and our dedicated staff for making this weekend one for the history books!