CUEA Strengthens Governance and Unveils Plans for Health Sciences College
The Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) is strengthening its governance structures and investing in long-term academic development, including plans to establish a College of Health Sciences and construct a modern lecture-hall block.
The Chair of the University Council, Rt. Rev. Mark Kadima Wamukoya, announced the plans during the University’s 45th Graduation Ceremony held at Lang’ata Campus on Friday, October 23, 2026.
Addressing the graduating class of 2026, Rt. Rev. Mark Kadima said the University was consolidating its resources to support strategic projects aimed at expanding its academic programmes, strengthening professional training and contributing to societal transformation.
He noted that the proposed College of Health Sciences would form part of CUEA’s long-term development agenda, while the planned lecture-hall block would provide modern teaching facilities and support initiatives such as an Executive and Professional Business School.
Leadership Transition and Governance
Rt. Rev. Mark Kadima highlighted recent changes in the University’s leadership and administration, describing them as important milestones in strengthening institutional governance.
He welcomed the new Chancellor, Most Rev. Gervas Nyaisonga, to his first CUEA graduation ceremony following his election as Chair of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) during the association’s 21st Plenary Assembly in July 2026.
He also acknowledged the installation of Very Rev. Prof. Elias Omondi Opongo, SJ, as Vice-Chancellor, describing the leadership changes as part of the University’s ongoing administrative transition.
The Council Chair commended the immediate former Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Very Rev. Prof. Stephen Mbugua Ngari, for overseeing a smooth handover of office, formally completed on 31 August 2026 following a month-long transition process.
He said the transition marked the culmination of a two-year process to restructure the University’s administration, resulting in a fully constituted Executive Management led by the Rector and Vice-Chancellor.
The management structure comprises the Deputy Vice-Chancellors responsible for Academic and Student Affairs, and Research, Innovation, Advancement and Partnership; the Executive Director of Gaba Campus; the Executive Directors responsible for Finance and Planning, and Administration and Human Resources; and the University Corporate Secretary.
The 21st AMECEA Plenary Assembly also reconstituted the University Council. Rt. Rev. Wamukoya acknowledged Mr. Peter Ndaa, who left the Council after 12 years of service, and paid tribute to the late Rt. Rev. Bernardin Mfumbusa, a former Council member who died earlier in 2026 following a short illness.
He welcomed the newly appointed Council members, Rt. Rev. Flavian Matindi Kassala and Mr. Paul Mwaniki Mwariri, to the CUEA community.
Advancing Research and Community Formation
The Council Chair linked the graduation theme, Transforming Societies through Ethical Leadership, Transformative Education, Research and Innovation, to CUEA’s role in advancing the Catholic Church’s mission and responding to the needs of society.
He highlighted the longstanding relationship between CUEA and Small Christian Communities (SCCs), which have served as an important platform for pastoral work across the AMECEA region.
He said the AMECEA bishops had directed the University to develop a degree programme in Small Christian Communities to strengthen understanding and implementation of the model through research and academic inquiry.
The proposed programme is expected to provide opportunities to assess how Small Christian Communities are implemented and identify ways to enhance their contribution to the Church’s pastoral mission.
Strengthening Alumni Engagement
Rt. Rev. Wamukoya also urged graduands to maintain their relationship with the University by joining the CUEA Alumni Association, which provides access to a network of more than 35,000 alumni.