CUEA Community joins in Celebrating University Chaplain’s Priestly Silver Jubilee
By Juliet Minoo and the Focolare Fraternity at CUEA
The CUEA community joined Rev. Dr. William Kosgey, the University Chaplain, in celebrating his Priestly Silver Jubilee on 3 October 2026, marking 25 years of devoted service to God and humanity.
The celebration took place at Sang’alo Catholic Parish in Chepyewet village, Nandi County, in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. It brought together clergy, faithful, students and other well-wishers to honour the chaplain’s quarter-century of priestly ministry.
The Holy Mass was celebrated by Rt. Rev. Maurice Anthony Crowley, Bishop Emeritus of the Catholic Diocese of Kitale, and concelebrated by Rt. Rev. John Kiplimo Lelei, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kapsabet, alongside numerous priests from local and neighbouring dioceses.
Traditional dancers set a vibrant tone for the celebration with graceful performances before the Mass commenced. The liturgy’s grand entrance procession added to the solemnity and joy of the occasion.
A Journey of Gratitude and Celebration
For the CUEA students who travelled from Nairobi to attend the jubilee, the celebration began in the early hours of the morning. Having set off at approximately 2:00 a.m., the group journeyed through several counties, including Kiambu, Nakuru and Uasin Gishu, on their way to Chepyewet village, Nandi County.
The long journey was made memorable by shared moments along the way, including bites of mandazis and roasted maize during stops.
The group arrived in Chepyewet at around 10:00 a.m. and received a warm welcome, accompanied by a hearty breakfast.
Soon afterwards, Rev. Fr. Dr. Kosgey arrived to a joyful reception, escorted by crowds of women and men singing traditional Kalenjin songs and ululating. As he entered the house, the women continued singing outside while photographers and videographers captured the memorable moments.
Despite the fatigue of the long journey, the students were delighted to be part of the milestone celebration. Their joy grew when the University Chaplain came out to greet them individually, a warm gesture that reflected his personal connection with the CUEA community.
The students subsequently joined other guests in the main tent, where the Mass was celebrated before a packed congregation.
A Special Gift from the CUEA Students
Following the Mass, groups and well-wishers presented gifts to Rev. Dr. Kosgey in a lively session that lasted about 30 minutes. The CUEA students also presented a special gift to theircChaplain as a token of appreciation for his service and spiritual guidance.
The presentations formed part of the wider expression of gratitude to a priest whose 25 years of ministry has touched the lives of people in the parishes and schools where he has served.
For those gathered to celebrate him, this journey through the generations offered a powerful reminder of the lasting influence of dedicated pastoral ministry.
Celebrating Faith and Community
After the celebrations, the students shared lunch before beginning their return journey to Nairobi.
Blessed with a calm, sunny weather, the group travelled safely and arrived back in Nairobi at almost 11 pm bringing to a close a long but fulfilling day.
The students were grateful to the University management for supporting the initiative, describing the support as an affirmation of CUEA’s Catholic identity and its commitment to the spiritual growth of students and staff. They also thanked the CUEA Gaba Campus director and staff for attending the celebration.
The Priestly Silver Jubilee was more than a celebration of 25 years of priesthood. It was an opportunity for his family, the CUEA community and friends to give thanks for Rev. Fr. Dr. Kosgey’s years of service, reflect on the lives touched by his ministry and celebrate the enduring value of faith, fellowship and service to humanity.