St. Paul’s University (SPU) reached a monumental milestone as Prof. Esther Moraa Mombo was officially installed as the 4th Vice Chancellor of the institution. The landmark ceremony took place at the Amphitheatre in Limuru Campus under the overarching theme "Navigating Complexities in Higher Education," bringing together university leadership, church dignitaries, academics, global partners, and students.
She was formally installed by the Chancellor, Hon. Prof. Margaret Kobia, PhD, EGH, alongside The Most Rev. Dr. Jackson Ole Sapit, Chairman of the University Council, with Prof. Mary Getui delivering the address as guest speaker.
Highlights from the Vice Chancellor’s Inaugural Speech
Addressing the university community and guests, Prof. Mombo reflected on SPU’s journey while laying out a strategic vision for her tenure:
- Inaugural Gratitude & Commitment: She expressed profound humility and gratitude to the University Council, Trustees, staff, students, and global partners, pledging to preserve SPU’s rich ecumenical heritage while steering it toward new frontiers.
- Five Strategic Pathways: Outlining her vision to consolidate gains, she highlighted key areas of focus:
- Academic Excellence & Research: Strengthening teaching quality, driving innovative research, and solving real-world challenges.
- Digital Revolution & AI Integration: Embracing modern technology and Artificial Intelligence across learning and administration.
- Spiritual Formation & Christian Values: Grounding academic training in Christian faith, ethics, and moral clarity.
- Equity & Social Responsibility: Interrogating systemic inequalities, combating gender-based violence, and ensuring justice and access for marginalized groups.
- Call for Educational Access: Emphasizing that financial limitations should not prevent bright minds from achieving higher education, she urged stakeholders to support the SPU Endowment Fund and scholarships to widen opportunities for deserving students.
Academic Journey & Institutional Rise
Prof. Mombo’s appointment marks a full-circle achievement at St. Paul's University, where she earned her Bachelor of Divinity degree before obtaining a Master’s in Ecumenical Studies from the University of Dublin and a PhD in Theology from the University of Edinburgh.
Having witnessed St. Paul’s transition from a United Theological College into a fully chartered university, Prof. Mombo has served the institution in critical administrative roles over several decades:
- Academic Dean during the institution's crucial university transition period.
- First Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), serving a six-year tenure.
- Director of Partnerships and Collaborations, expanding the university's international academic network.
Global Recognition & Prestigious Honors
Prof. Mombo has earned four honorary doctorates (Honoris Causa) in recognition of her globally acknowledged work in addressing gender disparity and advancing gender justice in church and society:
- Yale Divinity School (2025)
- University of Edinburgh (2023)
- San Francisco Divinity School (2023)
- Virginia Theological Seminary (2007)
In September 2026, she received the prestigious Lambeth Award from the Archbishop of Canterbury, presented by The Most Revd and Hon. Dame Sarah Mullally, honoring her outstanding contribution to theological education.
Scholarship, Publications & International Teaching
As an acclaimed scholar whose research spans Church History, Women in Mission, Interfaith Relations, and African Women Theology, Prof. Mombo has served as a visiting professor across renowned global institutions, including Brite Divinity School (TCU), Candler School of Theology (Emory), Utrecht University, Earlham School of Religion, Yonsei University (South Korea), and the Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology.
Key Published Works:
- If You Have No Voice Just Sing! Narratives of Women’s Lives and Theological Education (Author)
- Queen of Sheba: East and Central African Women's Theologies of Liberation (Co-editor, 2024)
- Broken Hearts and Bruised Bodies: Powerful Stories of the Life and Faith of Women in the Reformed Church of East Africa (Co-editor, 2022)
- That All May Live: Essays in Honor of Nyambura Njoroge (Co-editor, 2021)
Leadership in Ecumenical & Global Boards
Beyond academia, Prof. Mombo actively holds key positions across international governance, research, and advocacy organizations:
- Chair, African Contemporary Institute of Research
- Assistant Clerk, Friends World Committee for Consultation (FWCC)
- Clerk to the Board, American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), Kenya
- Former Co-Chair, Commission on Education and Ecumenical Formation of the World Council of Churches
- Immediate Past Regional Coordinator, East African Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians
