Relinked Network

Warriors for Good Series | Stories of Impact

Ven. Canon Dr. Scholar Wayua Kiilu is a Kenyan theologian, scholar, and interfaith leader whose work has contributed significantly to peacebuilding, social cohesion, and interreligious understanding. Through academic leadership, research, and community engagement, she has helped create platforms that foster dialogue, inclusion, and mutual respect among diverse communities.

As a lecturer at St. Paul's University and Coordinator of the Institute for Christian–Muslim Relations and Interfaith Programs, Dr. Wayua has played a key role in equipping leaders, students, and communities with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate religious diversity and promote peaceful coexistence. Her leadership also extends to the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians, where she serves as Country Coordinator, contributing to scholarship and dialogue that amplifies African voices and perspectives.

A published author, editor, and contributor to global theological resources, Dr. Wayua has combined academic excellence with practical peacebuilding, engaging in regional and international forums across Africa, Europe, and Asia. Her work continues to bridge faith communities, strengthen interfaith collaboration, and advance contextual approaches to peace and inclusion.

Through scholarship, leadership, and interfaith engagement, Dr. Wayua has become a respected voice for dialogue and social transformation, helping build more cohesive and resilient societies.

Ven. Canon Dr. Scholar Wayua Kiilu was recognized as a Gold Warrior in Peace, Cohesion, and Prevention of Violent Extremism at the Warriors for Good Awards.

Warriors for Good Series | Stories of Impact

St. Paul's University continues to play a vital role in strengthening peace, social cohesion, governance, and interfaith understanding across Kenya and Africa through the work of the Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations in Eastleigh (CCMRE) and the Centre for Christianity & Islamic Studies in Africa (CCISA).

CCMRE has become a leading platform for promoting peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims, translating academic research into practical community action. Working in communities such as Eastleigh, Kamukunji, Mathare, Majengo, and Mlango Kubwa, the Centre has facilitated more than 110 structured dialogue sessions, bringing together religious leaders, youth, and community members to build trust, prevent conflict, and strengthen local peace mechanisms. Its work has contributed to greater understanding, collaboration, and resilience in areas historically affected by interfaith tensions.

Complementing this effort, CCISA has strengthened governance and civic engagement by equipping religious leaders, students, and grassroots communities with practical skills for dialogue, conflict prevention, leadership, and social cohesion. Through regular forums, workshops, conferences, and interfaith engagements, the Centre creates inclusive spaces where diverse voices can address community challenges, embrace diversity, and foster mutual respect.

Together, these initiatives have positioned St. Paul’s University as a leading centre for interreligious dialogue, peacebuilding, civic engagement, and community resilience, extending impact across Kenya and the African continent.

This contribution to peace, cohesion, interfaith understanding, and civic participation led to CCMRE receiving the Gold Warrior Award in Peace, Cohesion, and Prevention of Violent Extremism, while CCISA received the Silver Warrior Award in Governance and Civic Engagement at the Warriors for Good Awards.

Warriors for Good Series | Stories of Impact

The Secondary Education for Girls’ Advancement (SEGA), established in 2007 in Tanzania’s Morogoro region, is equipping vulnerable girls with education, skills, and confidence to lead, thrive, and drive lasting social transformation. Guided by the belief that educated girls transform families, communities, and nations, SEGA continues to create safe pathways for girls to access and complete their education.

Each year, SEGA supports over 2,500 girls facing challenges such as poverty, gender-based violence, early pregnancy, forced marriage, and other forms of vulnerability. Its integrated programmes include SEGA Girls’ Secondary School, continuing education scholarships, community outreach initiatives, and graduate business development support, all designed to strengthen learning, leadership, and long-term opportunity.

SEGA focuses on leadership development, rights awareness, entrepreneurship, STEM education, environmental sustainability, and income generation, enabling girls to build agency and resilience while contributing to their communities.

The impact is reflected in strong outcomes, with nearly all SEGA Girls’ Secondary School graduates progressing to higher education and a significant proportion advancing to university studies. Many alumni pursue STEM and climate-related careers, becoming advocates for justice, sustainability, and community transformation.

Through this work, SEGA continues to empower girls to stay in school, resist exploitation, delay early marriage, make informed life choices, and emerge as leaders and role models.