By: Mark Mwavita & Lubnah Abdulhalim
The Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) on September 30, 2026, held a Prayer Day at the Assembly Hall, bringing together staff and students from different faiths and denominations to give thanks to God, reflect on the year and seek spiritual guidance.
The event was organised by the Planning Office, which also constituted the steering committee together with leaders from various student unions and associations. The gathering brought together members of different denominations, including Seventh-day Adventists (SDA), Protestants, Catholics and Muslims, among others, in a shared moment of prayer and reflection.
The programme featured prayers, spiritual teachings and words of encouragement from representatives of the different faith communities. It also featured a series of presentations by student groups and the TUM Staff Choir, adding a celebratory and reflective dimension to the occasion.
Speaking during the event, TUM Vice Chancellor Prof. Laila Abubakar highlighted the University's role in promoting peace and cohesion within the wider community. She urged the TUM community to view its cultural and religious diversity as a source of strength and encouraged staff and students to appreciate the progress and experiences of the past year.
The Vice Chancellor also encouraged the TUM community to turn to prayer while remaining patient and supportive of one another, noting that the University is one big family. Drawing from the Quran, she emphasised the importance of diversity and peaceful coexistence, quoting the verse: “O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another.”
Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, Research and Extension, Prof. Peter Gichangi, described the Prayer Day as an opportunity for the TUM community to renew its spiritual commitment and dedicate time to God. He encouraged staff and students to give thanks for the University's achievements and the positive developments witnessed throughout the year, drawing from Psalm 100 as a reminder to approach God with thanksgiving.
Registrar, Academic Programmes, Dr. Shivani Patel, commended the Planning Office and the steering committee for organising the event and emphasised the importance of prayer, gratitude, integrity and kindness in the daily lives of members of the University community.
The Acting Dean of Students, Dr Soud Tengah, also addressed the congregation, while representatives of the student leadership, including the TUMSA President, Peter Obiero, and union leaders, shared messages during the event. Their participation reflected the role of student leadership in promoting unity, responsible conduct and the wellbeing of the wider TUM community.
Representatives of the student community also emphasised the importance of giving thanks to God, particularly while remembering members of the TUM community who had passed away during the year. The KUSU Secretary General, John Ogwambo, called for the Prayer Day to become a regular tradition at the University.
The congregation was encouraged to respect one another, work together and contribute to building good character and a culture of service to humanity. They were also advised to seek forgiveness from God, reflect on their actions and make deliberate efforts to change behaviours that may negatively affect others, while striving to become better people in their personal, professional and community lives.
The Prayer Day provided an opportunity for members of the TUM community from different religious and cultural backgrounds to come together, appreciate the University's journey, give thanks and reflect on the values that unite them.
