From June 3rd to 6th, 2025, a team of 11 Christian student leaders from Kabarak University, accompanied by Assistant Chaplain Pastor Deborah Juma, had the privilege of attending the 5th Annual Christian Student Leadership Conference at the Jumuia Conference Resort in Kanamai. The conference, themed “Leadership that Transforms,” brought together over 200 Christian student leaders from 15 universities across the country. The University Provost, Rev. Justus Mutuku, graced the official opening of the conference.
This was an incredible opportunity for us to connect with other passionate student leaders dedicated to making a positive impact on their campuses and in their communities. Through keynote speeches, breakout sessions, and panel discussions, we explored the essence of influence in transformational leadership, understanding that true leadership begins with oneself; you must lead yourself before leading others.
A key focus of the conference was the biblical foundation of leadership. We reflected on Nehemiah 1-13, learning valuable leadership lessons from Nehemiah as a model for today's young leaders. From all the sessions, the concept of servant leadership, modeled after Christ, was a central theme in our discussions. We examined how Jesus exemplified this through His life and ministry and reflected on how we, as leaders, can adopt these principles in our leadership roles.
Another important takeaway was the emphasis on building authentic relationships and networks. We discussed the importance of genuine connections over competition and the value of mentorship, sharing experiences of both being mentored and mentoring others. These sessions reminded us that relationships grounded in faith and integrity can significantly amplify our influence as leaders.
The conference also tackled modern challenges that Christian students face, such as mental health struggles, the pressures of social media, and navigating cultural shifts. The speakers encouraged us to approach these challenges with compassion and understanding while putting our faith into action.
In addition to the spiritual and theoretical discussions, we participated in practical workshops that equipped us with critical leadership skills, including conflict resolution, effective communication, and event planning. We also learned the importance of vision casting, articulating clear goals that align with our values and mission as leaders.
One of the most memorable aspects of the conference was the opportunity to network with other student leaders. We shared ideas, resources, and best practices, forming new friendships and partnerships that will undoubtedly enhance our leadership efforts on campus.
Attending this conference was a deeply enriching experience that has transformed how we approach leadership as Christian student leaders. Moving forward, we are inspired to apply the principles and insights gained to positively influence those we serve and embody the values of servant leadership. Together, as Christian student leaders, we are determined to create a lasting impact on our campuses and communities, all for the glory of God.
