St. Paul’s University embraced new leadership with the installation of its 3^rd Vice Chancellor, Rev. Prof. James Henry Kombo. Held on Thursday 11^th February, the event saw the transition of power from Rev. Canon Prof. Joseph Galgalo who successfully completed his ten-year tenure in December 2020. With the successful handover of the instruments of incorporation, Prof. Kombo now takes the reigns of the over a century old institution. The astute scholar will be tasked with leading the strategic expansion of the institution that was recently ranked the best private university in Kenya by global research firm Unirank.

Rev. Prof. James Henry Owino Kombo was born on 21 May, 1962 at Nyang’oma Kogelo Sub-location, Siaya County. He attended Nyang’oma Kogelo Primary School and Sawagongo High School for both O and A. He then obtained a Bachelor of Theology degree from Scott Theological College, Master of Divinity from the International Leadership University, Master of Theology and Ph.D from Stellenbosch University, South Africa. Prof. Kombo has vast experience in university leadership and teaching spanning more than 25 years. He has also served in strategic positions including Head of Department, Dean of Faculty, Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs and acting Vice Chancellor. Prof. Kombo has been credited for university transformation and development through his review of both institutional and programs in public and private universities.

While giving his inaugural speech, Prof. Kombo shared his vision for the expansion of the university’s digital clout through concerted efforts aimed at growing the courses and student population on the institution’s e-learning platform. In addition, the new administrator highlighted the need to re-skill and upskill in the rapidly changing environment. “Our students must be at the forefront of this battle, after all, they already demonstrate enthusiasm to the rigors of on-line work and are technologically savvy in relation to navigation of new platforms. This is a great asset and we must embrace it”, he noted.

Speaking at the same event, the leader of Senate Majority Hon. Samuel Poghisio lauded the university’s commitment to transform itself into a centre of excellence within the context of Kenya and Africa's realities and needs. “I fully appreciate the strides that St. Paul’s has made in pursuit of transformation, and I am confident that you will bring your immense qualities and experience to bear on the efforts of the university in the difficult and yet exciting period ahead.”