Catholic Bishops Engage President Ruto on National Concerns, Youth and Ethical Governance

By Rose Achiego Ande

The Catholic Church in Kenya has reaffirmed her commitment to working with the Government in addressing issues affecting the nation, while continuing to uphold her prophetic mission of promoting ethical leadership, human dignity, peace and the common good.

This commitment was expressed on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, when the Chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) and the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kisumu Most Rev. Maurice Muhatia, the Vice Chairman of KCCB and the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nyeri Most Rev. Anthony Muheria, the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi Most Rev. Philip Anyolo, and the Coadjutor Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Mombasa Most Rev. Dominic Kimengich held a fruitful meeting with the President of Kenya His Excellency William Samoei Ruto at State House, Nairobi.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the Catholic Bishops to present their concerns on the state of the nation and to discuss areas where the Church and Government can strengthen collaboration for the wellbeing of Kenyans.

The Bishops welcomed progress made in addressing some of the challenges facing the country, while calling for sustained action in areas that continue to cause suffering and uncertainty among citizens.

Among the issues discussed was the improvement in the payment regime under the Social Health Authority (SHA), particularly noting the need to further improve the timely settlement of claims owed to Faith-Based Health Facilities.

The Bishops underscored the critical role played by Catholic health facilities in providing healthcare to millions of Kenyans, often serving communities in areas where access to medical services remains limited.

The meeting also focused on environmental care, with the Bishops acknowledging growing awareness and commitment among Kenyans towards protecting the environment, as well as Government efforts in this area.

However, they called for greater collaboration and renewed momentum in environmental conservation, drawing inspiration from the teachings of Pope Francis, particularly the encyclical Laudato Si’, which calls for an integral ecological conversion and responsible stewardship of our common home.

Youth: The Present and the Future

The Bishops also brought to the President concerns emerging from the recently concluded 21st AMECEA Plenary Assembly, particularly the urgent need to accompany, mentor, and empower young people.

The Church views young people not merely as leaders of tomorrow, but as an integral part of the Church and society today.

“The youth are our future and our present,” the Bishops affirmed, reiterating the Catholic Church’s commitment to finding new and creative ways of mentoring, guiding and accompanying young people as they navigate an increasingly complex world.

The Bishops called for more opportunities and forums where young people can engage meaningfully with leaders and contribute to conversations shaping the future of the nation.

This, they noted, is essential in building a generation anchored in faith, values, responsibility and a commitment to the common good.

Protecting Peace and the Common Good

The Bishops further raised concerns over issues that continue to threaten the peace, unity and social fabric of the nation.

Among them was the emerging “goon culture”, which they warned poses a serious threat to peaceful coexistence and democratic participation.

They also deliberated on the state of the education and healthcare systems, as well as the need for greater political hygiene.

The Church’s concern, the Bishops emphasized, is not partisan politics but the quality of public life and the moral direction of the nation.

The Catholic Church continues to exercise her prophetic role by speaking for truth, justice, peace and the dignity of every person, while remaining open to dialogue with all people of goodwill.

The Bishops reaffirmed that the Church stands ready to collaborate with the Government and other stakeholders on matters affecting the nation, while faithfully carrying out her mission to be a moral voice and compass in society.

The meeting, therefore, marked another opportunity for the Church and State to listen to one another and to explore practical ways of responding to the challenges facing Kenya, with peace, justice, human dignity and the common good remaining at the heart of the Church’s mission.