Universities are mandated to provide quality education, conduct cutting-edge research and engage communities through various initiatives. Community engagement seems to have been fully exploited yet would make a lasting impact on the communities’ well being in various aspects by virtue of universities being

hosts to well researched information on various subjects. St. Paul’s University on the contrary has epitomized community engagements through several initiatives aimed at promoting literacy, digital literacy, health, peaceful co-existence, career development and financial literacy. The recent prevalence of incidents that posed threats to human dignity, national cohesion and peaceful co-existence and regional integration prompted the university through the Institute of Christian- Muslim Relations (ICMR) to put in place various intervention that would complement global efforts of promoting peace, cohesion and dignity of human beings.

As a result, the Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations in Eastleigh, a Centre affiliated to ICMR has for over five years held interreligious dialogues, participated in community empowerment initiatives in Eastleigh, promotion of literacy anchored on the hash tag ‘Form ni Kuchop’, clean up exercise in informal settlements, rehabilitation of areas affected by floods, conferences and workshops with peace experts in Africa and the world, presentation of papers on peace and interreligious dialogues in various forums locally and abroad and inclusion of people with disability just to mention a few. As a result, hundreds have benefited in a way or the other thanks to the institute’s Coordinator Ven. Canon Scholar Kiilu.

These efforts earned the university recognition across the globe and on 7th March 2025, the university once successfully defended their title during this year’s edition of the National Diversity &Inclusion Awards & Recognition (DIAR Awards) held at Sarit Center in Westlands, Nairobi. The DIAR Awards held annually celebrates individuals and organizations championing diversity and inclusion in their areas of responsibilities. The Vice Chancellor, Rev. Canon Prof. James Kombo accompanied by some members of staff graced the Awards Gala to witness yet another historic moment. The VC appreciated the recognition noting that St. Paul’s University has been committed in advancing peace and cohesion for the past 120 years. Additionally, he reiterated the importance of integrating inclusion to governance.

Here is a summary of the university’s performance during the fete:

• 1^st Runners-Up – Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations (ICMR) as an NGO promoting peace and cohesion.
• 2^nd Runners-Up – Centre for Christianity and Islamic Studies in Africa (CCISA) for promoting peace and cohesion.
• 1^st Runners-Up – Ven. Canon Ambassador as the peace and cohesion champion award.

Our hearty congratulations to the Center and coordinator for relentlessly promoting peace.