What Hekima University College does

Hekima University College is a private Jesuit higher education institution founded in 1984 in Nairobi, Kenya, operating as a constituent college of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) under the governance of the Society of Jesus. It delivers undergraduate, postgraduate, and certificate programs in theology, peace studies and international relations, spirituality, migration/diplomacy, and innovation & social entrepreneurship, primarily serving Catholic religious-order members (Jesuits, Montfort Missionaries, Assumptionists, Carmelites, Sisters of Mary) and an expanding lay-student cohort drawn from across Africa. The institution is organized around the Jesuit School of Theology (JST), the newly formed School of Arts and Sciences (which absorbs HIPSIR), and several research centers (JHIA, CISA, CRTP, JCSA). Its technology backbone comprises a cloud-based ABNO-UNISOL ERP system for operations, an e-learning LMS, student and staff portals, and digital repositories (Hekima Review journal, HUC Thesis Bank).

The business model rests on tuition and fees from degree and certificate programs, philanthropic donations through the HUC Give program and PayPal/M-PESA channels, conference and event hosting, and modest publication sales. Pricing is scholarship-driven: a significant share of students (13 of 23 new HIPSIR admits in 2025-2026) receive full scholarships covering tuition, accommodation, stipends, and research grants, while the HUC Partial Scholarship supports top-performing women transitioning from certificate to degree studies. The college does not publicly disclose a comprehensive fee schedule. Distribution is primarily through on-campus delivery in Nairobi, with an ODeL (Open, Distance and e-Learning) capability in development, ecclesiastical referral channels via religious-order superiors, and a formalized Alumni Association established in 2023.

Hekima is pursuing a full University Charter jointly with the Proposed Hekima University (PHU) project in Molo, a strategic initiative to become an independent university. Recent milestones include CUE approval of three new programs launching August 2026, acquisition of Fadhili House (title deed released March 25, 2026), solar-energy transition of the campus, and the appointment of a Harvard scholar as founding Dean of the new School of Arts and Sciences. Governance is led by Principal Rev. Dr. Marcel Uwineza, SJ, with Very Rev. José Minaku, SJ as Board Chair, operating as a nonprofit with no traditional shareholders and ultimate ownership residing with the Society of Jesus.

Name

Hekima University College

Legal name

Hekima University College

Website

https://hekima.ac.ke

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Hekima University College is a Jesuit higher education institution in Nairobi, Kenya, founded in 1984, offering theology, peace studies, and social entrepreneurship programs to Catholic religious orders and lay students across Africa, operating as a constituent college of CUEA.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Nairobi

HQ country

Kenya

HQ region

Africa

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Academic Tuition and Fees: Revenue generated from tuition fees for undergraduate, postgraduate, and certificate programs across the School of Theology, School of Arts and Sciences, and Institute of Peace Studies and International Relations.
2. Donations and Charitable Contributions: Voluntary donations through the HUC Give program (hekima.ac.ke/give-huc/) and PayPal donation links, supporting scholarships and institutional development.
3. Conference and Event Hosting: Revenue and in-kind support generated from hosting academic conferences, book launches, and public lectures.
4. Book and Publication Sales: Sale of academic publications including the African Synodal Theology book at KES 500 per copy.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Hekima University College is a Jesuit higher education institution in Nairobi, Kenya, offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees (Bachelor of Theology, Master of Theology, MA in Peace Studies and International Relations, MA in Spirituality, BA in Migration Security and Diplomacy, BSc in Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship) plus short certificate programs. It provides academic and spiritual formation rooted in the Ignatian tradition, delivered on-campus and through e-learning, supported by research centers and a digital thesis repository.

Product overview

Hekima University College operates as a Jesuit higher education institution offering a comprehensive portfolio of academic programs through three main schools: the Jesuit School of Theology (JST) providing theological formation from certificate to master's levels, the School of Arts and Sciences housing peace studies and social entrepreneurship programs, and specialized institutes including the Institute of Peace Studies and International Relations. The institution delivers face-to-face and e-learning modalities through its learning management system, student and faculty portals, and digital thesis repository. Research activities are supported by the Center for Research Training and Publications, Center for Interfaith Studies in Africa, and Jesuit Historical Institute of Africa. Short professional certificate programs in retreat direction, conflict resolution, project management, and NGO operations complement the degree offerings, serving both ecclesiastical and secular professional development needs across Africa.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• School of Theology (Jesuit School of Theology) Flagship theological formation school offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in theology, preparing students for priesthood and religious leadership across Africa.
• Master of Theology (MTh) Advanced theological degree program preparing students for academic and pastoral leadership roles in the Catholic Church and broader religious institutions.
• Bachelor of Theology (BTh) Four-year undergraduate theology degree preparing students for priesthood and religious ministry across diverse cultural contexts in Africa.
• Master of Arts in Peace Studies and International Relations Graduate program focusing on conflict resolution, peacebuilding, international diplomacy, and strategic studies in the African context.
• Master of Arts in Spirituality Advanced degree exploring spiritual formation, mystical theology, and Ignatian spirituality traditions.
• Bachelor of Arts in Migration, Security and Diplomacy (MSD) Interdisciplinary program examining migration patterns, security studies, and diplomatic practices relevant to contemporary Africa.
• Bachelor of Science in Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship (BISE) Program combining business innovation, social entrepreneurship principles, and leadership training for addressing African development challenges.
• School of Arts and Sciences Newly established school housing programs in peace studies, migration studies, and social entrepreneurship. Absorbs the former Institute of Peace Studies and International Relations (HIPSIR) programs.
• Certificate in Retreat Direction Spiritual formation program training individuals to guide spiritual retreats using Ignatian and other contemplative methods.
• Certificate in Theology for the Laity Foundational theology program designed for laypeople seeking deeper understanding of Catholic faith and spiritual formation.
• Certificate in Theology for Religious Theological certificate program for members of religious orders focusing on formation and spiritual development.
• Certificate in Conflict Resolution, Peace Building and Reconciliation Professional certificate program equipping participants with practical skills in mediation, peacebuilding, and reconciliation processes.
• Certificate in Project Management and Leadership Certificate program developing management and leadership competencies applicable to church, NGO, and community settings.
• Certificate Course in NGO Management Certificate program training individuals in non-governmental organization governance, program management, and development practice.
• Certificate Course in Peace Leader Certificate program forming leaders in peacebuilding, conflict transformation, and community reconciliation.
• Conference Facilities Conference and event facilities hosting academic symposia, public lectures, and inter-institutional dialogues.

Quantifiable outcome

• Student enrollment growth from 60 new students (2023-2024) to 91 new students (2025-2026)
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Hekima University College is a Constituent College of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), operating under its charter. This affiliation provides accreditation and academic governance framework, enabling HUC to offer approved degree programs while pursuing its own university charter.
• Jesuits Eastern Africa (JEA/AOR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHUC is administered by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), Eastern Africa Province. The Provincial, Very Rev. Kizito Kiyimba, SJ, presides over major college ceremonies including diaconate ordinations. The Jesuit network provides faculty, formation oversight, and institutional identity.
• Kenya Education Network (KENET)coreTechnology or IntegrationKENET provides internet connectivity and educational network infrastructure for Hekima University College, enabling digital learning platforms, online admissions, and institutional technology operations.
• Tangaza UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInter-university collaboration including the February 2026 debate on universal human rights at HUC campus, with approximately 30 Tangaza participants. The two universities share academic staff and engage in joint student activities.
• Orbis BooksminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrbis Books (New York) co-published 'African Synodal Theology: A Tall Tree is as Strong as its Roots' with Pauline Africa in December 2025, contributing to HUC's academic publishing and thought leadership.
• Pauline AfricaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPauline Africa (Nairobi) co-published the African Synodal Theology volume with Orbis Books in March 2026, supporting HUC's scholarly output and theological discourse.
• Santa Clara UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a collaboration partner, indicating potential academic exchange or partnership in Jesuit educational network activities.
• Yarumal KenyaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a collaboration partner, potentially related to formation or educational activities within the broader Jesuit and Catholic network in Kenya.
• Oiko Diplomatique OrganizationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOiko Diplomatique organized the Church Forest Creation Program at Mai Mahiu, with HIPSIR students participating in tree planting and ecological restoration activities. The partnership advances practical, community-rooted ecological restoration through faith-based stewardship.
• African Jesuit AIDS Network (AJAN)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAJAN championed the Psycho-Ignatian Spirituality Program at Langata Women's Maximum Prison, coordinated by Deacon Bonosa Kwadwo Fosu, SJ. AJAN's message emphasized faith-driven justice and reaching those on the margins.
• Kenya Prisons ServiceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with HUC through the Kenyan Prisons Chaplaincy to deliver the Psycho-Ignatian Spirituality Program at Langata Women's Maximum Prison, graduating 35 inmates in March 2026.
• Jesuit Centre for Safeguarding in Africa (JCSA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHUC has an MOU with JCSA for safeguarding policies and practices. The Board of Trustees will review and redefine the MOU mission. JCSA operates from jcsa.africa, demonstrating institutional commitment to child and vulnerable person protection.
• Proposed Hekima University (PHU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHUC is pursuing a joint University Charter with PHU as a critical step toward becoming a fully independent university. PHU's site in Molo, Kenya focuses on BISE (Business, Innovation, and Social Entrepreneurship) with ongoing infrastructure development.
• Jesuit Historical Institute of Africa (JHIA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJHIA, hosted at HUC, is a research institute dedicated to preserving and studying African church history. Rev. Dr. Jean-Paul Savi, SJ appointed as new Director effective 2026-2027 academic year. The institute maintains the HUC Thesis Bank digital repository.
• Center for Interfaith Studies in Africa (CISA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCISA is hosted at HUC under the leadership of Fr. Norbert Litoing, SJ, focusing on interfaith dialogue, particularly Christian-Muslim engagement. The center has received tangible support from the local Muslim community, demonstrating bridge-building outcomes.
• Center for Research Training and Publications (CRTP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCRTP conducts capacity-building workshops, faculty research seminars, and supports academic publications. It organized two capacity-building workshops in January 2026 as part of the Faculty Research Seminar series.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Marquette University: Jesuit research university with theology, philosophy, and peace studies programs. Shared Catholic-Jesuit educational mission and emphasis on ethics and social justice; differs by larger scale and U.S. footprint.
• Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA): The regional Catholic university under whose charter Hekima operates as a constituent college. Comparable in faith-based higher-education mission, broader multi-faculty degree portfolio, and East African geographic scope; functions as parent institution today.
• Regis University: Jesuit university in Denver offering theology, ministry, and peace studies programs at graduate level. Comparable faith-based Jesuit positioning and curriculum mix, broader U.S. footprint, less religiously specialized than Hekima.
• Duquesne University: Jesuit university in Pittsburgh with theology and liberal arts programs including an emphasis on ethics, peace, and social justice. Comparable in religious-Jesuit orientation and mission mix, with broader secular enrollment base.
• Loyola University Chicago: Larger Jesuit research university with theology, pastoral studies, and social-justice programs. Comparable Ignatian pedagogy and lay/religious mix; offers a much broader curriculum and credential set than Hekima.
• Fordham University: Jesuit university in New York with a Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education. Overlaps with Hekima on theology/religious-education degrees; broader scale, U.S.-based, less formation-focused.

Direct peers

• Tangaza University College: A Catholic university college in Nairobi offering theology, education, social sciences, and business programs. Most directly comparable peer: shares the same city, comparable size, similar Catholic-charitable mission, and an existing collaboration relationship (joint debate, shared staff).
• Pontifical Gregorian University: The Society of Jesus's flagship theology faculty in Rome. Directly comparable along Jesuit theological pedagogy, degree structure (STL, STD equivalents), and formation of religious; differs only in global apex status and Vatican governance.
• Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University: Jesuit graduate theology school in Berkeley, California conferring M.Div., M.Th., and Th.M. directly comparable academic unit (graduate theology in a Jesuit framework) and a recognized Santa Clara–Hekima collaboration partner.
• Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry: Jesuit school of theology and ministry offering M.Div., M.T.S., and Th.M. degrees with Ignatian formation — overlapping curriculum and student type with Hekima's JST, serving lay and religious students at the post-bachelor level.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/HekimaHUC
• Facebookfacebook.com/HekimaHUC
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hekimahuc

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Subsidiaries6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Hekima University College