The Directorate of Research and Innovation at St. Paul’s University, through a grant from Templeton Religion Trust TRT-2025-35778 titled “Spiritual Capital and Youth Innovation in an Age of Economic Anxiety”, is pleased to announce 22 Postgraduate Student Scholarships for Master’s and PhD students. The project is funded as part of the University’s commitment to the integration of faith and science in the context of social transformation and innovation. It explores how faith functions as “spiritual capital” for young Kenyan innovators navigating economic uncertainty, and how entrepreneurial activities are undertaken by faith-based organizations. The project examines how virtues such as hope, grit, and stewardship, together with networks and imaginative frameworks, enable people to navigate economic anxiety with creativity rather than despair.

The Scholarship Opportunity

We are looking for 22 promising and dedicated Master’s and PhD students who have completed coursework, and will be embarking on their research phase beginning January 2027 in theology, counselling psychology, development studies, business, leadership studies, or other relevant areas. We may consider PhD theology students who are new students and have a strong research profile.

Scholarships will be awarded according to the following schedule:

•        School of Theology: 2 PhD, 8 MTh students
•        School of Business & Leadership: 1 PhD, 3 Masters
•        School of Education & Social Sciences: 1 PhD, 3 Masters
•        School of Communication & Computer Studies: 1 PhD, 3 Masters

Selected postgraduate students will receive:

1. Tuition Support for the dissertation phase.
2. Research field support for data collection in unique cases.
3. Direct Mentorship from experienced scholars and industry leaders.
4. Publication Support through the SPU Research Office.
5. Conference or workshop presentation training and opportunities.

Students will be required to present their work at academic conferences, seminars, and workshops, and to provide administrative and leadership support on a need-to-need basis.

Research Themes

Applicants should propose a research concept related to one of the following:

1. Theology of Innovation: How religious texts inspire economic creativity; theological formulations of economic issues; doctrinal or interreligious perspectives on social innovation and transformation; ecclesial practices as religious innovation; and how digital innovation can strengthen Christian ministry, discipleship, or formation.
2. Faith-Based Entrepreneurial or Innovation Hubs: The role of churches/mosques as business or entrepreneurial incubators.
3. Resilience and Anxiety: How spirituality mediates the stress of youth entrepreneurship; mental health among youth innovators; and youth entrepreneurship and spiritual resilience.
4. Digital Faith: Religious innovation in the tech and creative arts sectors; technological innovation and mental health.
5. Youth and Technology Innovation: Catalysing youth innovation for faith-based organizations, enterprises, and institutions; and the role of faith-based institutions in addressing youth unemployment; technological innovation and economic integration.

The above themes are provisional and applicants may expand on the above areas in their conceptualization.

Application Requirements

Interested candidates must submit an application package containing:

1. Cover letter: Provide personal and professional details, explain why you should be considered for the scholarship, and show how you meet the criteria.
2. Research concept note (use the concept note outline): Outline your proposed study, research questions, and how it aligns with the “Spiritual Capital” project. See the project website for more details.
3. Updated curriculum vitae (CV) — maximum 4 pages: Highlight academic achievements, relevant work experience, community engagement activities, and any prior research experience.
4. Academic transcripts: Show completion of Master’s coursework with a minimum B average.
5. Recommendation letters: Submit letters from (1) your current departmental head or a senior faculty member, and (2) your church leader/pastor.

How to Apply

Please send your application as a single PDF document to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line: "Application: Faith Innovation Fellowship – [Your Name]".

• Application deadline: 14^th September 2026
• Shortlisted interviews: From 5^th October 2026
• Communication to successful applicants: 26^th October 2026
• Grantees’ meeting with grantor: 9^th November 2026
• Research start date: January 2027

"Join us in redefining the intersection of faith and the marketplace. We aren't just looking for students; we are looking for the next generation of African thought leaders."

— Directorate of Research and Innovation

The Computer Science Department of St. Paul's University successfully conducted an educational and industry exposure visit on 29th July 2026, providing students with an invaluable opportunity to bridge classroom learning with real-world applications of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, innovation, and digital entrepreneurship.

The academic trip featured visits to three leading ICT institutions: the African Advanced Level Telecommunications Institute (AFRALTI), Ubunifu Innovation Hub, and the Cisco Cyber Security Center (The Edge Centre) together with the Cisco Networking Academy (NetAcad) hosted through the Centre for Computing and Development Laboratory (C4DLab) at the University of Nairobi.

The first stop was AFRALTI, a non-profit intergovernmental organization established in 1991 to build ICT human capacity and promote digital innovation across Africa. Students learned about AFRALTI's role in developing advanced ICT skills through professional training, research, and international collaborations. The institution serves member states including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, the Kingdom of Eswatini, and The Gambia, while offering internationally recognized programs through its partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Academy and global technology companies.

Students were also introduced to the Ubunifu Innovation Hub, an innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem hosted at AFRALTI. The hub nurtures startups, student innovators, and technology entrepreneurs by providing mentorship, incubation, training, and opportunities to transform innovative ideas into commercially viable digital solutions. The visit inspired students to embrace entrepreneurship and innovation as viable career pathways alongside traditional employment.

A major highlight of the visit was the interaction with ZeroBionic, a Kenyan disability-led robotics startup developing AI-powered assistive technologies. Students witnessed demonstrations of intelligent robotic solutions designed to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities. The startup showcased its flagship technology that translates spoken language into sign language and sign language back into speech in real time, enabling more inclusive learning environments, particularly in STEM education. The presentation demonstrated how artificial intelligence and robotics can be applied to solve real societal challenges while promoting digital inclusion.

The final destination was the Cisco Cyber Security Center (The Edge Centre) and the Cisco Networking Academy (NetAcad) at the University of Nairobi through C4DLab. Students gained practical insights into contemporary cybersecurity operations, secure network infrastructure, cyber threat detection, and incident response. They also explored the Cisco Networking Academy's globally recognized certification programs and learned about career opportunities in networking, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure.

Throughout the visit, students interacted with ICT professionals, researchers, innovators, and trainers who shared industry experiences, emerging technology trends, and practical advice on preparing for careers in the rapidly evolving digital economy. The exposure reinforced classroom concepts in networking, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, software development, and innovation management while highlighting the importance of continuous learning and professional certification.

Speaking after the visit, members of the Computer Science Department emphasized the importance of experiential learning in preparing graduates for industry. Such educational visits complement academic instruction by exposing students to emerging technologies, professional work environments, and innovation ecosystems that shape the future of computing.

The department extends its sincere appreciation to AFRALTI, Ubunifu Innovation Hub, ZeroBionic, C4DLab, the Cisco Cyber Security Center, and the Cisco Networking Academy for warmly hosting the students and sharing their expertise. The visit strengthened partnerships between academia and industry while inspiring students to become innovative, ethical, and globally competitive ICT professionals.

The Computer Science Department remains committed to providing transformative learning experiences that equip students with the technical competencies, practical skills, and innovative mindset required to thrive in today's technology-driven world.

Exams often cause anxiety among students. Students at St. Paul’s University equally grapple with this amid other challenges in their daily lives that failure to handle them appropriately may lead to stress, depression among other side effects.

In keeping the promise of walking with students through their academic journey, the Office of the Dean of Students, in partnership with Tigoni Treatment & Rehabilitation Centre, invites all students to a Mental Health Awareness Webinar designed to help navigate the academic season with resilience, focus, and emotional well-being.

Scheduled to take place on 6^th August 2026 from 7.30 pm to 8.30 pm, the webinar aims to provide practical strategies for managing stress, maintaining emotional wellness, and developing healthy coping mechanisms that will enable you to perform at your best. It will be facilitated by the Guest Speaker, Ms. Winnie Muriuki, Counseling Psychologist, Tigoni Treatment & Rehabilitation Centre.

Participants can join the webinar by either scanning the QR code on the attached poster or clicking the link https://meet.google.com/cos-irmm-udk

Your mental well-being is just as important as your academic success. We encourage all students to take advantage of this timely session as you prepare for your examinations. We look forward to your participation.

On Thursday, 16th July 2026, the School of Business and Leadership Studies (SBLS) at St. Paul’s University hosted a high-impact virtual webinar under the theme: “Sustainability in Kenya: Climate Action, Green Innovation, and Inclusive Economic Transformation.”

The session brought together faculty, students, industry practitioners, and community leaders to explore the pivotal role of green innovation, climate action, and sustainable business practices in driving Kenya’s long-term development and building resilient communities.

Highlights & Keynote Presentations

1. Green Innovation & Community Resilience

Speaker: Dr. Mary Githinji

Topic: Green Innovation and Sustainable Business in Building Resilient Communities in Kenya

Dr. Githinji opened her presentation by defining green innovation as the development and adoption of environmentally friendly products, technologies, and business models that minimize environmental footprints while creating tangible economic and social value.

• The Reality on the Ground: Kenya continues to face pressing environmental hurdles, including severe climate change effects, resource depletion, pollution, and rapid urbanization.
• Core Solutions: Integrating renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, circular economy models, water conservation systems, and green entrepreneurship into core business practices.
• Impact: These initiatives build community resilience by creating employment opportunities, protecting ecosystems, and increasing local capacity to adapt to climate risks.
• Call to Action: Dr. Githinji stressed the necessity of supportive public policy, cross-sector partnerships, and targeted investment in green technologies to accelerate sustainable growth.

2. Sustainable Supply Chains & Climate Action

Speaker: Dr. Mary Kibuine

Topic: Integrating Climate Action, Green Innovation, and Sustainable Supply Chains for Kenya's Sustainable Development

Dr. Kibuine focused on the critical intersection between climate responsibility and end-to-end supply chain management.

• Lifecycle Management: True sustainability requires evaluating environmental, social, and economic impacts at every stage—from sourcing and production to transportation and distribution.
• Operationalizing Climate Action: Organizations must focus on lowering greenhouse gas emissions, elevating energy efficiency, adopting renewable power, reducing waste, and mandating green procurement standards.
• Strategic Value: Resilient, eco-friendly supply chains safeguard business continuity, mitigate operational risks, bolster customer trust, and align corporate strategies with national sustainability goals.

Featured Speaker

• Dr. Daniel Kungu joined the panel of esteemed speakers, sharing expertise and actionable insights on leadership and strategic implementation for sustainable transformation.

Driving Kenya's Sustainable Future

The webinar demonstrated that climate action, green innovation, and sustainable supply chain management are mutually reinforcing pillars. By embedding these practices across sectors, Kenya can drive economic prosperity, generate green jobs, safeguard natural ecosystems, and step confidently into an inclusive, low-carbon future.