Former Vice-Chancellor of St. Paul’s University and Anglican minister James Kombo has died. In a statement on April 28, St. Paul’s University announced his death, saying the institution had lost a devoted leader whose service was marked by faith, academic discipline, and commitment to Christian values.
Prof. Kombo’s death comes only weeks after he was formally bid farewell at the university’s Limuru Campus, following the completion of his five-year term as Vice-Chancellor (2021–2026).
In February 2026, St. Paul’s University held a formal ceremony to mark the end of his five-year term as Vice-Chancellor (2021–2026), during which the institution acknowledged his contribution to academic life and Christian formation.
A Churchman and Scholar Who Led Christian Higher Education
Prof. James Kombo was an ordained minister of the Anglican Church of Kenya and was later installed as a Canon.
Alongside pastoral ministry, Kombo built an academic career as a systematic theologian, specializing in African Christian Thought, the doctrine of the Trinity, theological interpretation, and the relationship between theology and African intellectual traditions.
Kombo earned his Doctor of Theology (PhD/DTh) in Systematic Theology from Stellenbosch University in South Africa.
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His doctoral research examined The Doctrine of God in African Christian Thought from a Trinitarian perspective, focusing on African inculturation theology.
Kombo’s Years at Daystar University
Before joining St. Paul’s University, Prof. James Kombo spent many years at Daystar University in Nairobi, where he rose through senior academic and administrative ranks.
James served as Professor of Theological Studies, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) for approximately ten years, and later Acting Vice-Chancellor from November 2015.
During his time at Daystar, he played a key role in academic planning, curriculum development, research support, staff mentorship, and institutional administration.
James Kombo was respected for his calm leadership and commitment to Christian higher education.
James Kombo at St. Paul’s University
In 2021, Prof. Kombo was appointed the third Vice-Chancellor of St. Paul’s University, succeeding Prof. Joseph Galgalo, and formally assumed office in February 2021.
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His leadership at St. Paul’s University focused on strengthening the institution’s Christian identity while maintaining strong academic standards.
Kombo worked to connect faith with education, helped staff grow and supported research, managed the university’s finances carefully, and encouraged leaders and staff to make decisions together.
In February 2026, he officially handed over the office to Acting Vice‑Chancellor Prof. Esther Mombo, passing on the university charter and seal during a formal ceremony.
The ceremony was presided over by University Chancellor Hon. Prof. Margaret Kobia and University Council Chairman, Archbishop the Most Rev. Dr. Jackson Ole Sapit.
Archbishop Ole Sapit said Prof. Kombo’s leadership was sacrificial and faith-driven, noting that he viewed leadership in a Christian university as both service and ministry.
Kombo’s Scholarly Legacy and Family
Prof. Kombo was a respected voice in African evangelical theology. His publications include:
- The Doctrine of God in African Christian Thought: The Holy Trinity, Theological Hermeneutics and the African Intellectual Culture (Brill, 2007)
- Theological Models of the Doctrine of the Trinity: The Trinity, Diversity and Theological Hermeneutics (Langham Global Library, 2016)
James Kombo was an active member of the Africa Society of Evangelical Theology (ASET) and served as editor of the Africa Journal of Evangelical Theology.
