Catholic school principals have been urged to be humble, accept correction, forgive others, and lead by example as they guide schools entrusted with the holistic formation of young people.
Speaking during the opening Mass of the 11th Catholic Schools Principals Association of Kenya (CSPAK) Conference at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), Rt. Rev. Mark Kadima, Chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) Commission for Education and Religious Education and Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Bungoma, reminded Principals that Christian leadership is a ministry of service.
The three-day conference, taking place from August 4 to 6, 2026, has brought together Catholic school principals and education stakeholders from across the country to discuss ways of strengthening Catholic education in a changing education system.
Reflecting on the readings from the Book of Jeremiah and the Gospel according to Matthew, Bishop Kadima said leadership is not about power or status but about serving others faithfully.
He reminded principals that they are not only responsible for managing schools and improving academic performance but also for shaping the intellectual, moral, spiritual, and social growth of young people.
“The greatest lesson students often learn is not from textbooks but from the lives of those who lead them,” Bishop Kadima said.
He called on principals to live the Gospel values they expect teachers and students to follow, saying leadership itself becomes a lesson when leaders practise what they teach.
Bishop Kadima also urged school leaders to be open to correction, saying that holding a leadership position does not mean a person is free from mistakes or weaknesses.
He said true leadership requires the humility to admit mistakes, accept guidance, and continue growing.
“Our positions, talents, and responsibilities do not make us God,” he told the participants. “We must have the humility to admit when we are wrong and make the necessary corrections.”
The Bishop also spoke about forgiveness, describing it as an important part of Christian leadership.
While recognizing that discipline is necessary in schools, he warned principals not to let punishment take the place of compassion.
He said forgiveness does not mean ignoring wrongdoing but giving people the opportunity to heal, learn, and change.
Bishop Kadima encouraged principals to know when to enforce discipline and when to give a second chance, especially in schools where both students and teachers are still learning and growing.
“Leadership should seek not only to correct mistakes but to restore people and help them become better,” he said.
He also encouraged principals to value different views within their school communities, saying teachers, parents, students, and support staff all have important ideas that can strengthen leadership and improve decision-making.
Throughout his homily, Bishop Kadima stressed that actions speak louder than policies, speeches, or instructions.
He urged principals to show honesty, fairness, patience, and compassion in their daily dealings with students, teachers, and parents, saying these values help build school communities based on trust, respect, and cooperation.
He warned that leaders who refuse to accept responsibility or who constantly criticize others can create fear and division in their schools.
For Catholic schools, Bishop Kadima said, leadership must always reflect the Gospel values that are at the heart of Catholic education.
