Brief History
The Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), like most other universities, started in a modest way. It commenced as a graduate school of theology known as the Catholic Higher Institute of Eastern Africa (CHIEA).
The Institute (CHIEA) was founded in 1984 by the regional ecclesiastical authority known as the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences of Eastern Africa (AMECEA). Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia are the member countries of AMECEA.
On 2 May 1984, CHIEA was authorized by the Congregation for Catholic Education, Vatican City (cf. Prot. N. 821/80/34), to offer two-year Licentiate/MA programmes in Theology. On 3 September of the same year, it was officially inaugurated by Rt Rev. Bishop Madaldo Mazombwe, the then Chairman of AMECEA.
On 18 August 1985, it was formally opened by Pope John Paul II. In 1986, the Graduate School of Theology started negotiations with the Commission for Higher Education in Kenya towards the establishment of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA).
In 1989, the Institute obtained the “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 climax of the negotiations was a granting of the Civil Charter to CHIEA on 3 November 1992. This marked the birth of the university as a private institution.
In 2002, the Faculties of Science and Commerce were established. Then in 2003, the Center for Social Justice & ethics was established.
Our Vision & Mission
Vision
To be a world class University producing transformative leaders for Church and Society.
Mission
To promote excellence in research, teaching and community service by preparing morally upright leaders based on the intellectual tradition of the Catholic Church.
Our Philosophy
CUEA is founded on the philosophy of the Catholic Higher Education which stresses free search for the whole truth about nature, humanity and God.
It promotes exploration of every academic discipline, inspired by Him who is The Way, the Truth and the Life (Jn 14:6) .
Our conviction is that the Spirit of the Lord enables human beings – through the development of their intelligence and talent – to find meaning in life.
Our Core Values
The following are the CUEA core values:
- Witness of Life
- Prayer
- Truthfulness
- Honesty
- Excellence
- Commitment
- Competence
