The Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), like most other universities, started in a modest way. It commenced as a graduate school of theology known as the Catholic Higher Institute of Eastern Africa (CHIEA).

The Institute (CHIEA) was founded in 1984 by the regional ecclesiastical authority known as the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences of Eastern Africa (AMECEA). Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia are the member countries of AMECEA.

CUEA is a leading private university whose mission is to produce authentic leaders and upright members of the Church and Society capable of contributing to sustainable development according to God’s plan.