Hekima College was founded in 1984 as a school of theology by the Major Superiors of the Society of Jesus in Africa and Madagascar. Its central aim and purpose was to provide a first theological formation at university level for Jesuit students preparing for priesthood. Hekima College has been recognised as a Constituent College of The Catholic University of Eastern Africa in the University Charter. Relations between the College and the University are established by the terms of the Constituent Colleges Convention, dated 10th June 1993.

Besides the central aim and purpose of providing courses in theology for the members of the Society of Jesus, the College was to “offer formation for men and women seeking to take their place in the evangelizing mission of the Church, be they religious or lay people.” It is in line with this second aim and to respond to new challenges that in 2004 Hekima College celebrated its 20th anniversary with the Institute of Peace Studies and International Relations. The Hekima Institute of Peace Studies and International Relations is a culmination of monthly discussions and reflections of the Hekima Peace Forum, a group consisting of students of the Jesuit School of Theology and representatives of Nairobi-based non-governmental organizations and individuals involved in peace-building and conflict analysis.

Hekima College is an institution that blends integral human formation with higher learning to prepare men and women for the challenges of a ‘faith that does justice’. This is achieved through pursuing ‘truth that sets free’, with full dedication and integrity, in the best of the Jesuit tradition of education.

The Institute of Peace Studies and International Relations carries on this vision in a specific mission, i.e., to train students to provide instruction and expertise in peace building at a high-quality tertiary education level.

Rooted in the Christian faith of the vision of Hekima College from which it draws inspiration, the Institute of Peace Studies and International Relations commits itself to provide an ecumenical and inter-religious perspective to conflict management, resolution and peace building.

Sharing in the heritage of Jesuit education, the Institute of Peace Studies and International Relations pursues its mission:

The Institute of Peace Studies and International Relations fulfils this mission with a vivid concern for all matters related to integral human, social, cultural and spiritual development within the Church and civil society. In line with the Jesuit tradition of education, it expects and demands academic excellence for its teachers and students in view of the leadership they are called to exercise for the well-being of each human being and for the building of a just human society. In wisdom we search for Truth, and with integrity and freedom we live by its Spirit.