How Kenya’s Prayer Breakfast tradition began

The National Prayer Breakfast has evolved into one of Kenya’s most symbolic parliamentary traditions, bringing together political leaders, diplomats, religious leaders and private sector players for a moment of prayer.

This year’s event will be held on May 28 at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, with the Senate hosting the function under the theme “forgiveness and reconciliation”.

The annual National Prayer Breakfast in Kenya traces its origins to the second President of Kenya, the late Daniel Moi, when members of the United States Congress reportedly turned to prayer at the height of the conflict after Parliament could not convene normally due to the war situation.

Speaking ahead of this year’s National Prayer Breakfast, Member of Bunge Fellowship and Makueni Senator Daniel Maanzo said the tradition began when American lawmakers sought spiritual guidance during the global crisis.

“During the Second World War, there was a day Parliament could not convene because the war was at its peak, and when members of the US Congress and Senate met, they asked themselves what they could do about the war, and they just said, ‘Let’s pray,’” Maanzo said.

He said the practice later spread across the world and was eventually adopted in Africa and East Africa, including Kenya.

Maanzo said the National Prayer Breakfast has since evolved into a parliamentary event where leaders dedicate the country to God and reflect on national unity, forgiveness and reconciliation.

“The prayer breakfast is a time the leadership of the House and Parliament dedicates the nation to the Lord,” he said.

The event is organised by Parliament through the Bunge Fellowship and brings together leaders from across the political divide, the private sector and religious groups.

Former Bunge Fellowship chairperson Samuel Poghisio said the Kenyan model borrowed heavily from the American National Prayer Breakfast after Kenyan leaders attended similar events in the United States.

Poghisio said former President Daniel Arap Moi was among Kenyan leaders invited to the US prayer breakfast, helping inspire the local initiative.

“That was the biggest prayer breakfast that attracted many presidents from all over the world,” Poghisio said.

He added that American congressmen continued visiting Kenya to encourage the development of a local parliamentary prayer tradition.

According to Poghisio, Parliament later formally adopted the programme, making it a national parliamentary event rather than a church-led function.

“Parliament of Kenya came on board and decided this is a parliamentary event,” he said.

“Emphasis should be that there is no bishop or father or whoever it is who comes to run it. It is run purely by leaders of the country.”

He emphasised that Parliament deliberately took over the event to ensure it remains a national and inclusive platform rather than being associated with any single religion or denomination.

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi said this year’s National Prayer Breakfast will be held on May 28 at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, starting at 7 am.

Kingi said hosting of the event rotates between the Senate and the National Assembly, with the Senate serving as this year’s host.

He said the 2026 theme will focus on forgiveness and reconciliation amid rising political temperatures ahead of the 2027 General Election.