Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) is a multi-campus private university in Kenya. The university's main campus is located along Bogani East Road, in the neighborhood of Langata, in southwest Nairobi, the capital and largest city of Kenya.
Flag of Kenya
History and Establishment
Catholic University of Eastern Africa was founded on 3 September 1984 as a graduate school of theology, under the name Catholic Higher Institute of Eastern Africa (CHIEA). On 2 May 1984, the Catholic Higher Institute of Eastern Africa (CHIEA) was authorised by the Congregation for Catholic Education in Vatican City (cf. Prot. N.
That same year, it opened satellite campuses in Eldoret and Kisumu. The institution was formally opened by Pope John Paul II on 18 August 1985. In 1989, the institute obtained a "Letter of Interim Authority" as the first step towards its establishment as a private university. After three years of intensive negotiations between the Authority of the Graduate School of Theology (CHIEA) and the Commission for Higher Education, the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences was established.
The Civil Charter was granted to CHIEA on 3 November 1992; this marked the birth of the private university. In 2002, the Faculties of Science and Commerce were established, followed by the Center for Social Justice and Ethics in 2003, the Faculty of Law in 2004, and the School of Continuing Professional Development in 2009. In April 2013, the university opened a new campus in I&M Tower, along Kenyatta Avenue, in Nairobi's central business district.
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Academic Programs and Faculties
CUEA offers several courses across its seven schools. Nearly all the faculties, schools and institutes are found in various halls within the university.
Faculty of Theology
The Faculty of Theology at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) operates under the direction of the Holy See and is governed by the Apostolic Constitution Veritatis Gaudium. The Faculty is committed to producing innovative graduates who serve both the Church and society.
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Established in 1989, the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences is one of the oldest academic faculties at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA).
Department of Education
The Department of Education runs the Bachelor of Education programme under both Regular and Part-Time (formerly School-Based) modes.
Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) was established in the academic year 2003-2004 with the goal of addressing the growing scientific and technological needs of African nations. In September 2016, the program was transferred to CUEA under the Faculty of Sciences. Initially, students were admitted through the Department of Commerce and Business Administration (CBA) within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
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Faculty of Law
The Faculty of Law at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) began as a Department of Law within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences in 2005.
Campus Life and Activities
The Catholic University of Eastern Africa begins its academic year in August or September with the Convocation Mass, which formally welcomes new students. The University hosts a variety of student clubs, associations and movements open to all students. Recruitment generally takes place during induction, though students may join within the first month of the semester.
Student representation is coordinated through the Catholic University of Eastern Africa Students' Organisation (CUEASO), which holds an annual General Assembly. The University supports several sports clubs, including Catholic Monks RFC, which competes in the nationwide rugby league and has won tournaments such as the Prinsloo 7s and the National League, and Catholic Saints Football Club, the University's football team. An annual Cultural Week is held, concluding with the selection of Mr.
Graduation ceremonies at the University typically take place annually in October.
The Learning Resource Centre (LRC)
The university's Learning Resource Centre (LRC) is an example of ecologically sustainable design in the region. Designed by Kenyan architect Musau Kimeu, the LRC consists of three buildings-a 3000-seat modern library, a 1200-seat state-of-the-art auditorium, and a 500-seat cafeteria. The buildings are arranged around a 50m by 40m central square and tied together by a covered walkway with outdoor seating.
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The three buildings are designed to include the use of natural ventilation to provide cooling, maximize a high thermal mass, use sun-shading of glazed areas, and building orientation to maximize sustainability. Wind energy is utilized to operate the ventilation cowls above the thermal chimneys. The underground water storage tank has a top that doubles as the podium for an outdoor amphitheatre.
Financial Support
The university runs the Cardinal Otunga Scholarship Fund in honour of one of the university's founding fathers, Maurice Cardinal Michael Otunga. The aim of the fund is to sponsor needy but deserving students in pursuit of their studies at the university.
Overview
Below is a table summarizing key aspects of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) |
| Motto | "Consecrate them in the truth" |
| Type | Private |
| Established | 1984 (41 years ago) |
| Religious Affiliation | Catholic |
| Chancellor | Bishop Charles Kasonde |
| Vice-Chancellor | Rev. |
| Location | Nairobi, Kenya |
