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HISTORY

Established on a profound foundation of faith and a commitment to service, St. Paul's University began its journey with a clear vision to transform society through holistic education. From our humble beginnings as a theological college, we have thoughtfully grown into a dynamic, fully chartered university, expanding our academic horizons to encompass a diverse range of disciplines across arts, social sciences, business, and technology. Throughout our rich history, we have remained steadfast in our core mission: to develop ethical, servant leaders and critical thinkers who create a lasting legacy of positive impact in Kenya and across the world.

1875

The Church Missionary Society (CMS) founded a settlement for freed slaves at Frere Town, near Mombasa.

1888

The Rev. E. A. Fitch began a Divinity class designed to offer some practical skills and Christian leadership training to the freed slaves. The Divinity class offered training to six teacher-evangelists who were ordained Deacons, and subsequently began training of Africans for the ordained ministry of the Christian Church.

1903

The Rev. H. K. Binns laid the foundation stone of St. Paul's Divinity School at Frere Town, Mombasa, on the 28th July.

1930

The foundation stone for the St. Paul's Divinity School was transferred to the main campus in Limuru in January.

1949

The Presbyterian Church of East Africa and the Methodist Church in Kenya joined the Anglican Institution and brought in their ministerial candidates for training.

1954

A transitional union was accomplished when the three Churches formed a College Council to run the affairs of the College.

1955

The CMS St. Paul's Divinity School became St. Paul's United Theological College on 1st January.

1963

Inauguration of an external London University Bachelor of Divinity degree.

1973

The Reformed Church of East Africa formally joined the three other Churches as the fourth Participating Partner.

1978

Inauguration of the Association of Eastern Africa Theology Institutions (AITEA) Bachelor of Divinity degree.

1986

St. Paul's registered as a limited company.

1987

Charter of Co-operation of St. Paul's United Theological College is ratified.

1988

Launch of the St. Paul's Bachelor of Divinity programme.

1989

St. Paul's United Theological College registered as a private University by the Commision for Higher Education.

1993

The National Council of Churches of Kenya in its corporate identity was admitted by the Governing Council as the fifth Participating Partner in the ownership of the College. The University is based upon the partnership of the four Participating Churches and the NCCK as a corporate body with the representation in the Governing Council being ACK 50%, PCEA 20%, MCK 10%, RCEA 10% and NCCK 10%.

2003

Commemoration of 100 years of existence.

2007

The institution was awarded a Charter by H.E Hon. Mwai Kibaki, to become St. Paul's University on 14th September.

2007

Appointment of the first University Chancellor.

2008

Installation of the first Chancellor.

2010

Establishment of St. Paul's University Nairobi Campus.

2011

Establishment of St. Paul's University Nakuru and Machakos Campuses.

2018

Installation of the second University Chancellor.

2020

Foundation stone laid for the Joshua and Timothy School of Theology Building.

2020

Graduation of the first cohort of PhD students.

2023

St. Paul's University awarded ISO 9001:2015 Certification.

2025

St. Paul’s University Launches Strategic Plan 2025-2030, Paving the way for Innovation, Digitalization and Sustainability

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