LIMURU, KENYA – August 10, 2026 – St. Paul’s University (SPU), through the Directorate of Research and Innovation, is proud to announce the launch of a groundbreaking two-year research project titled “Spiritual Capital and Youth Innovation in an Age of Economic Anxiety.” Backed by a USD 100,000 grant from the Templeton Religion Trust (No. TRT-2025-35778) the project seeks to investigate how faith acts as a catalyst for economic resilience among Kenyan youth. In an era of high unemployment and market volatility, many young "hustlers" are turning to their religious communities—churches, mosques, and faith-based collectives—not just for spiritual solace, but as hubs for digital innovation, networking, and social entrepreneurship.
Key project highlights include:
- 22 Postgraduate Scholarships: Funding for SPU postgraduate students to conduct research on the connection between faith and innovation. See call for applications (insert link for call for applications)
- Youth Innovation Hackathon: A competitive platform for faith-based and youth-led social enterprises to win seed funding.
- Digital Storytelling: Highlighting the lived experiences of 10 "Faith Innovators" through high-quality video documentaries.
- Workshops and Seminars: To share the project findings and to bring faith, business, policy and industry leaders together
This project further cements St. Paul’s University’s position as a leader in research and innovation in East Africa. Speaking about this new initiative, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Esther Mombo observes: “this initiative is aligned to our long heritage that shows that service to God is service to humanity. We are honoured at the trust that we are receiving from national and international partners to implement ideas that change the world.”
Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs Prof. Abraham Waithima commented that “research and innovation is at the heart of the university agenda, and this is a testament of SPU’s credibility in the higher education research landscape.”
"This is not just about religion; it's about the science of survival and flourishing," says the Rev. Dr. Kevin Muriithi Ndereba, Director of Research and Innovation at SPU and Principal Investigator of the project. "We are moving beyond traditional charity models to understand how 'Science-Engaged Theology' can equip the next generation of African innovators to turn economic anxiety into sustainable opportunity."
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About St. Paul’s University
St. Paul’s University is a Christian ecumenical institution with its main campus in Limuru, Kenya and other campuses in Nairobi and Nakuru. Known for its academic excellence and commitment to "Servant Leadership," SPU remains at the forefront of interdisciplinary research that addresses the unique challenges of the African continent.
Media Contact:
Directorate of Research and Innovation
St. Paul’s University, Limuru
Email:
Website: www.spu.ac.ke