|PIC1|Christians in Kenya have paid tribute to the enormous contribution of the head of the World Council of Reformed Churches (WCC) to ecumenism in Kenya and worldwide.

St Paul's United Theological College in Limuru, Kenya, is currently going through the process of acquiring university status to become St Paul's University.

The 100-year old institute has appointed the WCC's General Secretary Rev Dr Samuel Kobia to be the University's new Chancellor as an expression of its appreciation for his position "within the ecumenical family in Kenya and beyond".

The appointment will also honour Kobia's "vast experience within the church" as well as his contribution to the University.

Kobia received his first academic training from St Paul's United Theological College in 1969. The institute is owned by Anglican, Presbyterian, Methodist and Reformed Churches as well as the National Council of Churches in Kenya.

It will receive its charter from the President of Kenya on 14 September 2007 to become a university.

Earlier in the summer, Kobia's role within the Kenyan ecumenical family was recognised when he was awarded the National Ecumenical Award, which honours individuals who have "offered exceptional service, leadership and modelling" throughout their life and ministry.