The Proposed Hekima University's Journey to a New Home

The weather was quite chilly and windy, with the sun shining distantly, casting a serene light over Hekima University College Institute of Peace Studies and International Relations (HIPSIR)on Riara Road, the new home to the proposed Hekima University (PHU)Directorate. The air was filled with a sense of quiet motivation as if the atmosphere was urging the Directorate team’s presence to rise to the occasion.

The Executive Council and the Directorate had gathered for the official first meeting at HIPSIR. Representing the council was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs (proposed), Fr. Dr. Odomaro Mubangizi, SJ, alongside the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Finance and Administration (proposed), Fr. Dr. Elias Opongo, SJ, both known for their meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to PHU’s mission.

As the meeting proceeded, Fr. Dr. Opongo spoke with warmth and conviction, his gaze sweeping across the attentive staff. He emphasized that the move to this new location was more than a change of address it marked a transformation in our academic endeavors and commitment to realizing the vision of Hekima University (HU). Fr. Dr. Odomaro, stated that in the tranquil setting, we find the perfect atmosphere to foster intellectual growth and collaborative spirit.

Each member of the Directorate team eagerly shared their contributions to the PHU project from Chris Lowney’s transformative leadership training sessions on 9th – 11th July 2024 to the Data scheduled graduation on 7th June 2024, each initiative filled with potential. The room was also hummed with anticipation for the upcoming Fundraising Dinner on Friday, 21st June 2024, a key event promising to elevate PHU’s mission. Fr. Dr. Christopher Mapunda captivated everyone with his account of the recent tree-planting exercise in Baraka-Molo, where in collaboration with NCBA Bank and other stakeholders, over 2,000 trees were planted, symbolizing a flourishing partnership and a greener future. The blend of education, leadership, and environmental stewardship highlighted the team’s diverse efforts in advancing their shared goals.

As we concluded the meeting, our clarion is to work in collegiality, and this new environment provides us with the ideal backdrop to achieve that. And as the wind rustled through the trees next to the office block, they carried with it the sense of new beginnings and possibilities. The Directorate team felt the significance of the moment, as our hearts aligned with the vision set forth by our leaders.