A Direction and Key Institutional Updates

Dear HUC Family,

The Peace of the Risen Christ and we join the Universal Church in prayer for our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV who officially started his Petrine Ministry today.

As we come to the close of this academic year, we are drawn into reflection by the words of Dag Hammarskjöld, the second Secretary-General of the United Nations:

“For all that has been — Thanks. For all that shall be — Yes.”

These words offer a beautiful posture of heart for our community—one that blends gratitude for what we have experienced with courageous openness to what lies ahead. With this spirit, I now share with you a vision, a direction, and some key institutional updates and plans that are already shaping our path forward.

  1. Academic Affairs and Program Development
  • Academic Board Meeting: We will soon convene a meeting to review and approve students’ grades and address other academic matters. If you have agenda items for consideration, kindly submit them to the Principal or Deputy Principals by Friday, 23 May 2025.
  • 2025–2026 Academic Calendar: The Deputy Principal for Academic Affairs is finalizing the calendar. Please share your final remarks by May 26.
  • New Program Accreditation: We are engaging a consultant to support documentation and preparation for uploading our three new academic programs to the CUE portal in view of accreditation.
  • Migration, Security, and Diplomacy Program: We are acquiring books to support this new academic offering.
  • English Immersion Program: We are preparing to welcome students to this program. Let us extend our usual Hekima warmth and hospitality.
  • Student Recruitment: Each of us is a vital ambassador. Bring at least one student to HUC. Bring four, and you’ll receive a Ksh 20,000 token in appreciation.
  1. Staffing and Leadership Appointments
  • We currently have vacant positions:
    • Dean of Students
    • Chaplain
    • Examination Officer
      Kindly send your suggestions for qualified, team-spirited, and mission-aligned candidates to the Principal.
  1. ODeL Program
  • Our Open, Distance and e-Learning (ODeL) initiative remains a top priority. We are on track to meet the CUEA Senate requirements by September 2025.
  1. ICT and Learning Infrastructure
  • Library and Computer Lab Upgrades: A complete overhaul is planned to ensure readiness for the next academic year.
  • Office Computers: Faculty and staff will be contacted about their office ICT needs as part of ongoing upgrades.
  • Office Chairs: Should resources permit, we plan to provide simple but comfortable chairs for our lecturers, for those who need them.
  1. Facilities and Construction Projects
  • A request has been submitted to the Chair of the HUC Trustees for major works on the retaining wall near the Arrupe-Amani building. 
  • Fadhili Center:
    • Renovations will begin in early June.
    • We plan minor pavement works in the small courtyard to enhance accessibility.
  • Riara Apartments: Paving of surrounding roads is scheduled soon.
  • Green Energy: We are exploring the feasibility of solar installations at Fadhili Center and on the 5th floor of the Arrupe-Amani building.
  • Security Access: We are reviewing the possibility of constructing a smaller access gate to Fadhili from the Jesuit Community to help manage security costs.
  1. Maintenance, Repairs, and Accommodation
  • The Deputy Principal for Administration will issue updates on scheduled repairs during the long break.
  • We will also carry out basic renovations in the men’s hostels to ensure they are habitable and presentable.
  • Student Departure Reminder: All students are reminded to vacate their rooms by the indicated date, as communicated by the Deputy Principal for Administration.
    Only those with written and explicit permission may remain on campus beyond that time.
  • Our commitment to keeping HUC green and beautiful continues to guide our maintenance efforts.
  • The Official Portrait of Pope Leo XIV will be mounted in designated spaces on campus.
  1. Governance and Policy Development
  • Policy Updates and Job Descriptions will be finalized for presentation to the HUC Council in September.
  • Your input on the attached Masterplans is most welcome. Please take time to review and submit your feedback—your voice matters in shaping our collective future.
  1. Publications
  • The upcoming issue of Hekima Review (Issue No. 70) will be released in the coming days. Please look out for it and share it widely.
  1. Partnerships and External Engagement
  • A team from the Ministry of Education will be visiting us for inspection. Let us extend our warmest welcome and ensure they feel at home within the walls of HUC.
  1. Solidarity with Students
  • We remain firmly committed to supporting deserving students through our scholarship program. Currently, more than 20 students are fully sponsored, including 160 students in our One-Year Certificate in Theology Program.
    Let us continue to hold them in prayer and keep the preferential option for the poor central to our mission.

I am deeply grateful to the Deputy Principals, Registrar, Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments, and each of you who continue to uphold the spirit of excellence, collegiality, and mission at Hekima.

Let us move forward together with gratitude for the past and bold hope for the future.

We count on your prayers and support!

Note: our DPA+F will follow up closely on most of these issues.


Fr. Marcel Uwineza, SJ
Principal, Hekima University College

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