The atmosphere at the Limuru Campus Main Hall was electric today as the St. Paul’s University community gathered for the highly anticipated Vice-Chancellor’s New Year Address. In her first major address since taking office, Ag. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Esther Mombo delivered a powerful and metaphorical roadmap for the year titled, "Consolidating the Gains."
With a blend of gratitude for the past and a bold vision for the future, Prof. Mombo set the tone for what promises to be a transformative year for the "University of Choice."
Honoring the Foundation, Navigating the Future
Prof. Mombo began by paying tribute to the vision-bearers and front-runners who built the bedrock of St. Paul’s University. She reminded the staff that while it is essential to honor the heritage of the institution, the true challenge lies in how we prepare for the horizons ahead.
Using a captivating aircraft analogy, she likened the university’s journey to a flight in progress—SPU Flight Boeing 1903. She challenged every member of the staff and the wider community to carry the university's vision not just as a duty, but with:
- Gratitude for our shared history.
- Pride in our unique identity.
- Passion for our mission.
Five Strategic Pathways for 2026
To reach our "desired destination" as a regional center of excellence, Prof. Mombo outlined clear pathways that the university must advance. Her vision for consolidating our gains focuses on five key pillars:
- Academic Excellence: Maintaining the highest standards of teaching and learning.
- Spiritual Formation: Ensuring our faith-based roots continue to nourish the character of our community.
- Research & Innovation: Pushing the boundaries of knowledge to solve real-world problems.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Embracing modern technology to stay at the forefront of the digital revolution.
- Equity and Public Responsibility: Committing to fairness and our duty to serve the wider society.
"For the university to reach the desired destination, there is need to establish clear pathways... but more importantly commit to the principles of equity and public responsibility." — Prof. Esther Mombo
The Ultimate Goal: Graduates with Moral Clarity
Beyond infrastructure and technology, Prof. Mombo emphasized that the true measure of SPU’s success is its people. She shared her deep desire to see SPU graduates enter the workforce not just as skilled professionals, but as leaders who serve with moral clarity and a profound sense of social responsibility, making an impact both regionally and globally.
All Systems Go!
The message to all staff, students, and partners was clear: SPU Flight Boeing 1903 has already taken off. The engines are roaring, the course is set, and the leadership is ready to navigate.
We invite the entire community to stay buckled in and committed to the journey. 2026 is the year we consolidate our gains and soar to new heights.
Welcome aboard!
#WeAreSpu #SPUFlight1903 #ConsolidatingTheGains #HigherEducationKenya
