In what has now become an annual event since Rev. Dr. Marcel Uwineza, SJ, took over as Principal of Hekima University College (HUC) three years ago, the faculty members once again gathered at the Windsor Hotel and Country Club on February 28, 2026, for a high-level retreat. Focused on the transition from a constituent college to the Proposed Hekima University (PHU), the retreat blended spiritual reflection with the technical rigor of national accreditation standards.
Moderated by Rev. Dr. Francis Anyanzu, SJ, and Rev. Dr. George Macharia, SJ, the day’s agenda centered on the theme of “The Idea of a University” and the practical hurdles of securing a University Charter in Kenya.
The Principal opened the retreat by situating Hekima’s current growth within the historical context of the Society of Jesus’s first school at Messina. He noted that the pursuit of higher education is a “dream” that requires continuity, urging the faculty to build upon the progress made since 2023.
Echoing this vision, Rev. Dr. Anthony Egan, SJ, led a session on the identity of a university. He argued that academic formation must do more than grant degrees; it must transform political and economic realities.
“Theology has a specific role and cannot be left behind,” Dr. Egan noted. “The crisis we face in our society is also spiritual. We need to integrate faith and reason in our search for Truth.”
A major highlight of the retreat was the technical briefing by Mr. Joseph Musyoki, Senior Assistant Commission Secretary at the Commission for University Education (CUE). Mr. Musyoki provided a masterclass on the two-phase process (preparatory and execution) of obtaining a University Charter.
His presentation covered the Prerequisites, which is the rigorous standards HUC must meet to transition to a full university, the ODeL Accreditation, which approves the specific steps required for Open, Distance, and e-Learning accreditation, ensuring Hekima is prepared for the digital future, and finally the benefits, which outlines how a Charter will empower the institution to offer its own degrees and expand its academic footprint.
Dr. Elias Mokua, SJ, provided a progress report on the Proposed Hekima University (PHU) and its specific focus on BISE (Business, Innovation, and Social Entrepreneurship) in Molo, Kenya.
He highlighted tangible infrastructure gains, including the construction of a community house, installation of fencing and electricity, a new borehole, and the renovation of classrooms and a hall. To bring the Molo project to completion, the university plans two upcoming fundraisers, targeting 2 million Kenyan Shillings.
Retreat Highlights & Key Takeaways
| Session | Key Presenter | Outcome/Theme |
| Spiritual Foundation | Dr. Odomaro Mubangizi | Education as a civilization of Love & Reconciliation. |
| Institutional Goal | Mr. Joseph Musyoki (CUE) | Roadmap for the University Charter & ODeL. |
| Project Update | Dr. Elias Mokua | BISE Molo readiness; KSh 2M fundraising goal. |
Building a Fellowship
The day was not solely focused on policy. Following a presentation by Dr. Odomaro Mubangizi, who reminded the staff that university life should promote reconciliation, the faculty engaged in team-building activities and recreation. The retreat concluded with a sense of renewed purpose as the college moves “Forward and Upward” toward its goal of becoming a fully chartered university.
By Pamela Adinda, HUC Communications and International Office Coordinator
