Theology, once seen purely as a calling, is increasingly becoming a gateway to diverse career paths.
A growing number of young Kenyans are enrolling in theology courses—not just to become pastors, but to enhance their effectiveness in the job market.
Two years ago, Africa International University, a Nairobi-based institution that offers theology programmes, began witnessing a significant increase in enrolments.
“The total population of theology students last year was 905. This semester (January-April), 453 students registered for classes,” said Dr Elly Ndiao, acting Registrar Academics at Africa International University.
So, what’s driving this trend?
Theology is no longer viewed solely as a route to the pulpit. Instead, it is emerging as a foundation course for careers in boardrooms, classrooms, and community activism.
Daniel Kimani, the principal pastor at Full Gospel Theological Training Institute in Nairobi’s Buruburu, has seen this shift firsthand.
“We train for calling,” he says, “but we also prepare for the marketplace.”
Pastor Daniel Kimani, The Principal at Full Gospel Theology Training Institute in Bururburu main campus during an interview at Nation Centre in Nairobi on April 9, 2025.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group
Mr Kimani, who holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree and is currently completing a Master’s in Theology, says his journey underscores the flexibility theology offers.
“Some individuals register to deepen their Christian faith or prepare for mission work,” he explains.
“Others begin with theology and branch into areas like counselling, because pastoral care also involves emotional and psychological support.”
Students are also trained not only to minister in church but also in conflict resolution. "Theology graduates also take up mediation roles and support community development," says Mr Kimani.
Although the college's focus was on Kenyan students, it began gaining students from across East Africa.
Blending beats and Bible
Charles Aringo, also known by his stage name P149 (from Psalm 149), is a theology graduate using music as a tool for gospel outreach.
“I’ve been composing music since I was a child,” he says. “My love for Bible studies and worship inspired me to pursue theology.”
Mr Aringo earned a Bachelor’s in Ministries and Theology from Pan African Christian University. Now 34, he’s pursuing an online Master’s in Theology from a US university. "Theology helped me to sing music biblically. Now I focus on creating biblically correct music, and it becomes a gospel outreach tool, even singing in matatus," he says.
Charles Aringo, 36, also known as P149, a musician and campus ministry outreach worker during an interview at Nation Centre, Nairobi on April 10, 2025.
Photo credit: Lucy Wanjiru | Nation Media Group
He believes theology is crucial in every profession. “As a teacher, when students pose difficult questions, theology helps provide meaningful answers,” he says.
Search for life purpose
Anthony Kagunda is a student of theology at St. Paul's University in Limuru. He first earned a diploma in guidance and psychological counselling. As an employee of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa in Limuru, the 25-year-old says for him, it was all about exploring the overlap between theology and psychology.
"I wanted to find out the purpose of man from both perspectives," he said.
Theology, he says, is the study of God's relationship with man, while psychology is the study of human behaviour. Mr Kagunda integrates mental health advocacy into his church work. He preaches in rehabilitation centres and hosts forums on mental health. His sermons, he points out, are a bit different from others.
"I introduce the psychology elements when preaching to help congregants lend meaning to their lives," he says, adding, "marrying psychology and theology adds meaning to life."
Anthony Waweru Kagunda, 25, is a passionate student and elder at the Presbyterian Church of East Africa, is using his unique combination of theology and psychology to inspire change, bridge gaps, and advocate for mental health justice in his community.
Photo credit: Pool
Building credibility
Harrison Kahindo is a clinical psychologist and a resident psychologist at Outspan Teaching and Referral Hospital in Nyeri. He also studied theology at Presbyterian University, not to preach but to enrich his understanding of human behaviour.
He first trained in psychology, then studied theology to grasp the spiritual dimension of human struggles.
"I realised that psychology and theology both attempt to describe human suffering and behaviour, either psychologically or spiritually," he said.
Working in a predominantly Christian institution, Mr Kahindo says theological training helps him connect with patients who are experiencing spiritual crises.
"If you are born in Nyeri, most probably you are a Christian," he says.
Harrison Kahindo, 28 is a clinical psychologist with a unique blend of psychology and theology, is using his diverse knowledge to provide holistic support to clients, addressing both their mental health and spiritual well-being.
Photo credit: Pool
Some of the people who come to his clinic, he says, struggle with their spirituality, which is sometimes a root cause of psychological issues.
"They either feel like they are losing contact with God,” he says, "My background allows me to work with their faith during therapy.”
Mr Kahindo believes his theological background has also benefited his career. "It gives me credibility with my employer,” the 28-year-old says.
