Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi hold talks with Nairobi Archbishop Philip Anyolo and Nyeri Archbishop Anthony Muheria on July 13, 2026 / OPCS
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi has called for a stronger partnership between the government and the church.
The Prime CS said faith-based organisations remain critical in promoting peace, moral leadership and national development.
Mudavadi spoke on Monday after meeting Nairobi Archbishop Philip Anyolo and Nyeri Archbishop Anthony Muheria, who also serves as vice chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB).
The two briefed him on preparations for the 21st Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) Plenary Assembly, which will be held in Nairobi from July 18 to 26.
The assembly, to be hosted at the Catholic University for East Africa (CUEA), will bring together more than 120 bishops and hundreds of delegates from nine Eastern African countries under the theme, "AMECEA's Synodal Journey with Young People: Building Bridges of Communion, Hope, Justice, and Good Governance."
"This year's conference places emphasis on youth mentorship, peacebuilding and governance," Mudavadi said after receiving the briefing.
He noted that hosting the event further cements Kenya's position as a regional hub for dialogue, diplomacy and international conferences while creating opportunities for the tourism, hospitality and other sectors of the economy.
Mudavadi said faith leaders continue to play an important role in shaping the country's moral fabric by promoting dialogue, peace, unity and service.
"We exchanged views on matters affecting our country, and I encouraged the Church to continue championing peace, national unity and social cohesion. A peaceful and united Kenya," he said.
He also praised the Catholic Church for its contribution to Kenya's socio-economic development through education, healthcare, peacebuilding and moral mentorship.
"The Catholic Church has made an immense contribution to our country's socio-economic development, including peace, moral mentorship, and institutions such as schools, hospitals and tertiary colleges," Mudavadi said.
The Prime CS reaffirmed the government's commitment to working closely with faith-based organisations, saying they are key partners in advancing democratic values and national development.
He added that Kenya's Foreign Policy recognises religious organisations as important actors in diplomacy, noting that the country has strengthened ties with the Vatican by establishing a resident mission to the Holy See.
Mudavadi said President William Ruto has already appointed Dr Julius Murori Mbijiwe as Kenya's ambassador to the Holy See.
AMECEA is a regional body comprising Catholic episcopal conferences from Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia, with associate representation from Djibouti and Somalia.
