Pastor Dorcas Rigathi has called for the inclusion of chaplaincy in all institutions of learning to offer mentorship, guidance and counseling to students.
Speaking during her visit at the University of Nairobi where she hosted 4,000 students for a mentorship meeting, Pastor Dorcas said the collaboration should also include rehabilitation institutions that include prisons, and borstal correctional facilities in raising awareness against alcohol, drug and substance abuse.
The meeting dubbed ‘STAND OUT’ attracted students from 31 institutions from Nairobi, Kiambu and Machakos Counties and was graced by the spouse of the Deputy President Pastor Dorcas Rigathi.
“I am very passionate about the youth, and they are the greatest investment for our country. And I will continue to advocate for the boy child and they can enjoy their rights and opportunities. When I advocate for the boy, I also advocate for the girl, because we will have strong and whole men in society,” said Pastor Dorcas.
The host Vice Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Kiama told of his conversion as a young student at the University of Nairobi to good mannerisms, saying that such meetings were instrumental in influencing the youth towards values.
The Vice Chancellor Machakos University, Prof Joyce Agalo who was also present proposed that the meeting of university students for mentorship becomes a rotational annual event for greater impact in the country.
“I will be happy to host the 2025 meeting in Machakos. Our students are at a challenging stage, and this is the time they need to be mentored,” said Prof. Agalo.
Rev Stella Mwiti, Chaplain St. Paul University and the Secretary of University and Colleges Chaplains, called for the infusing of chaplaincy in the everyday running of institutions in the country for the wellbeing of Kenyans.
The institutions represented included UoN, USIU, Zetech College, Adventist University, Utalii College, Technical University, Talanta College, St. Paul’s University, Railways Training Institute, Presbyterian University, PAC University, PC Kinyanjui Institute, NIBS, Multimedia University, Mt. Kenya University, Machakos University, KMTC Campuses, Kirere Women University, Kenyatta University, Kenya Water Institute, KIMC, KEMU, KCA, JKUAT, Gretsa University, Daystar University,Catholic University, Cooperative University, Africa International University, and Africa Nazarene University.
Pastor Dorcas had also held a similar meeting at the UoN on 2nd March 2023 at Taifa Hall that activated her Boy Child Outreach Program for Universities.
