Amanze Chinonye
President William Ruto met Kenya’s Catholic bishops this week as his government seeks closer engagement with religious leaders, with the Church using the meeting to press for action on healthcare, education, youth empowerment and concerns over Kenya’s political and social climate, Prime Business Africa reports.
The meeting at State House in Nairobi brought together Archbishop Philip Anyolo of Nairobi, Archbishop Maurice Muhatia of Kisumu, Archbishop Anthony Muheria of Nyeri and Archbishop Dominic Kimengich, the coadjutor archbishop of Mombasa, according to the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (KCCB) publication, The Catholic Mirror.
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The bishops reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to working with the government while maintaining its responsibility to promote ethical leadership, human dignity, peace and the common good.
They said they welcomed progress in some areas but urged the government to sustain efforts to address problems that continue to affect Kenyans.
Healthcare was among the main issues discussed. The bishops acknowledged improvements in payments under the Social Health Authority (SHA) but called for the prompt settlement of outstanding claims owed to faith-based health facilities.
The issue is significant for Catholic institutions, which operate a broad network of hospitals and health facilities across Kenya, including in communities where access to healthcare remains limited.
Education was another key concern. The bishops raised issues including teacher shortages, the uneven distribution of teachers, challenges associated with the transition to Competency-Based Education and delays in the disbursement of capitation funds.
They also called for greater investment in young people, urging the creation of more opportunities for youth to engage directly with national leaders and participate in discussions shaping the country’s future.
The bishops linked youth empowerment to wider concerns about Kenya’s social and political stability, warning about what they described as an emerging “goon culture” that could threaten peaceful coexistence and democratic participation.
They also called for greater “political hygiene”, stressing that the Church’s intervention was not about partisan politics but about the quality of public life and the moral direction of the country.
The engagement comes against a backdrop of repeated criticism of government policies by Kenya’s Catholic Church, alongside continued dialogue between the two sides on issues affecting the public.
In June, the bishops condemned violent disruptions of public gatherings and the desecration of places of worship. They also called for greater transparency in government agreements and dialogue involving religious leaders, civil society, healthcare workers and affected communities.
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Environmental protection also featured in the discussions, with the bishops calling for closer cooperation between the Church and government. They cited Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’, which advocates greater responsibility for the protection of the environment and the common home.
For Ruto, the meeting comes as he seeks to broaden consultations with religious organisations and other sectors of society over Kenya’s long-term development.
The president has called for a national conversation involving faith groups, civil society, business, academia and young people to help shape a new development vision beyond the country’s Vision 2030 framework.
The State House meeting provided an avenue for the government and one of Kenya’s most influential religious institutions to identify areas for cooperation while highlighting unresolved concerns over governance, accountability and the delivery of public services.
The bishops’ position underscored that cooperation with government would not prevent the Church from speaking out on policies and practices it considers harmful to Kenyans, preserving its role as both a development partner and an independent voice on public affairs.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
