- He pointed out that Tenwek is the first college to comply with the laid down regulations.
- Lokol also raised concerns about organizations he said have not considered the importance of a spiritual personnel
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Learning institutions and other varied organizations in the country have been urged to employ competent chaplains.
Speaking during graduation at Tenwek Hospital College of Chaplaincy, chief principal Reverend Paul Ekal Lokol said individual government-approved colleges offer expected services.
Lokol regretted that many colleges are operating despite not being accredited by relevant authorities.
He pointed out that Tenwek is the first college to comply with the laid down regulations.
The principal, at the same time, raised concerns about organizations he said have not considered the importance of spiritual personnel in their daily operations who can give directions on matters to do with counselling and guidance.
"Our graduands can offer counselling and other spiritual matters in a given institution, including even prisons and police stations where staff are in dire need of advice to cope with daily chores," he added.
Rev.Lokol was, however, optimistic that the newly crowned chaplains are currently being considered by some of the organizations.
During the colourful event graced by the Africa Gospel Church (AGC) Kenya, Bishop Robert Langat said the country needs servants who can provide leadership in an institution.
He cited many organizations are currently undergoing challenges, especially over the high cost of living.
On Thursday, Tenwek Hospital School of Chaplaincy asked the government to fast-track regulations of religious organisations.
Paul Ekal Lokol, the principal of the college, said that the regulations should include the need to have pastors undergo not only theology but also chaplaincy training.
“It is through regulations and training that we avoid people with ill motives from taking advantage of innocent people in the name of preaching,” said Lokol.
Lokol said that without regulations, the country risks witnessing more incidents than Kenyans were treated to this year in Shakahola.
Wilson Turgut a chaplain trainee at the institution insisted that the government should also make it mandatory for pastors to acquire practising licenses.
“The government should know is out there preaching through licensing of all pastors,” he said.
He said that only pastors who have undergone minimum training should be licensed to practice.
“There is no way a license will be issued to someone who has not been trained and therefore training would be a minimum requirement to be allowed to practise,” he added.
Tenwek Hospital School of Chaplaincy has been in operation for the last 29 years and has produced renowned pastors and chaplains in the South Rift region.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kindiki Kithure has previously said the government will not backtrack on its decision to have churches regulated.
He said a section of religious leaders have been opposing the move.
However, the CS has said the government will never again allow the incident an occurrence of what happened in Shakahola where he confirmed that over 386 bodies have been recovered from mass graves.
The government, he noted, trusted religious leaders and had a carefree attitude towards them which he said led to the death of many innocent Kenyans.
"That should never and will never happen again, that someone can hide behind the scripture and hurt so many innocent Kenyans," he said.