A Message from the New Presiding Bishop: Methodist Church in Kenya Charts a Fresh Path at Historic 60th Conference

A Message from the New Presiding Bishop: Methodist Church in Kenya Charts a Fresh Path at Historic 60th Conference

NAIROBI, Kenya

By Stella Ranji 

The Methodist Church in Kenya has concluded its historic 60th Annual Conference, marking a major transition in leadership and outlining a renewed moral agenda for the nation. The Conference elected Bishop Rev. Dr. Stephen Kanyaru as the new Presiding Bishop for a five-year term, succeeding outgoing church leadership whom he praised for their faithful service.

In his inaugural address titled “A Message from the New Presiding Bishop,” Bishop Kanyaru expressed “deep humility, gratitude, and trust in the God who calls, equips, and sends.” He thanked former Presiding Bishops, Synod Bishops, the Conference Secretary-Elect Rev. Dr. Nicholas Mutwiri Nteere, the Conference Honorary Treasurer Mr. David Kaburia, clergy, laity, and all delegates for upholding the mission of the Church and the business of the Conference.

New Leadership, New Milestones

This year’s Conference made history by electing new Synod Bishops—including two women, a significant step forward in gender representation within the Church’s senior leadership. Bishop Kanyaru affirmed the Church’s commitment to inclusivity, justice, and compassionate ministry, calling this moment “a new chapter that demands unity of mission, clarity of purpose, and courage to speak the truth in love.”

A Nation at a Crossroads

Addressing Kenya’s wider social and political climate, Bishop Kanyaru said the country stands “at a delicate moment politically, economically, and socially.”

He urged the government to adopt people-centred and compassionate policies, emphasizing that “a nation cannot flourish when its citizens lack basic necessities.” While acknowledging recent signs of economic stabilization—including reports of improving inflation—he appealed for continued efforts to ease the rising cost of living, unemployment, and widening inequality.

Governance and Integrity

On matters of governance, the Bishop issued a strong statement against corruption, describing it as “a drain on the nation’s strength.”

He reminded leaders that power is stewardship, not entitlement, calling for truthful, accountable, and servant-minded leadership that honours both God and citizens.

Cost of Living and Economic Justice

He called for policies that uplift ordinary Kenyans, urging job creation, economic fairness, and protection of vulnerable households.

 Political Tension and Division

The Church expressed deep concern over growing political polarization and incitement.

Bishop Kanyaru emphasized that:

Kenya must reject the politics of fear and embrace hope.

National unity must take precedence over personal political ambition.

Leaders must uphold constitutional order, especially in contentious moments such as the recently concluded by-elections.

Youth Frustration and Social Disillusionment

The Bishop highlighted the rising frustration among young people, many of whom feel unheard and marginalized.

He called for meaningful engagement, empowerment opportunities, and dignified pathways to employment, stating that Kenya’s future depends on harnessing the potential of its youth.

The Church’s Mission Going Forward

Bishop Kanyaru outlined a robust agenda for the next five years, including:

Spiritual renewal and discipleship rooted in the teachings of Christ

Good governance within the Church

Strengthening Methodist schools and medical institutions

Expanding community transformation ministries

He pledged that the Methodist Church in Kenya will remain:

A voice for the voiceless

A defender of justice and dignity for every Kenyan

A Call to Unity and Hope

As he steps into his new role, Bishop Kanyaru reaffirmed the Church’s unwavering commitment to holiness, justice, and compassionate ministry, urging Kenyans to pursue hope over fear and unity over division.

“We are entering a new chapter,” he said, “and with God’s help, we will move forward in faith, integrity, and service to the nation.”

Popular posts from this blog

Global Leaders Convene in Nairobi to Forge Path for Climate-Resilient Africa

Image
Global Leaders Convene in Nairobi to Forge Path for Climate-Resilient Africa By Stella Ranji  Nairobi, Kenya – June 30, 2025 — A diverse coalition of global leaders, scientists, faith leaders, and grassroots actors convened in Nairobi today for the opening of the Vatican African Conference on Climate Resilience, a landmark summit aimed at designing a new era of climate adaptation rooted in equity, local knowledge, and science. Hosted at CIFOR-ICRAF, the two-day summit (June 30 – July 1) marks a pivotal step toward shaping a climate-resilient Africa, with an emphasis on decentralising climate policy and financing to reach the continent’s most vulnerable communities. The gathering is co-convened by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences (PAS) and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences (PASS), in collaboration with the Network of African Science Academies (NASAC) and other regional and international partners. At the heart of the conference is a call for urgent, inclusive, a...
Read more

Cricket Kenya Launches CK T20 League to Honour Past Glory and Usher in New Era

Image
Cricket Kenya Launches CK T20 League to Honour Past Glory and Usher in New Era By Stella Ranji  NAIROBI, August 27, 2025  In a bold move to revive the nation's cricketing legacy and propel the sport into a new era, Cricket Kenya (CK) on Wednesday officially launched the CK T20 League, a franchise-based tournament set to begin this November in Nairobi. The league will pay tribute to Kenya’s golden generation of cricketers — the national teams of 1996 to 2003, who famously elevated the country to global prominence, including a historic semi-final appearance in the 2003 ICC World Cup. The new T20 competition aims to not only honour those achievements but also develop the next wave of cricketing talent in Kenya and across the African continent. The initiative comes after the signing of a lucrative partnership between Cricket Kenya and AOS Sport Tournament, a Dubai/India-based sports promotion company. The collaboration is expected to inject professionalism, visibility,...
Read more

KISM Reaffirms Commitment to Digitizing Public Procurement through EGP System Rollout

Image
KISM Reaffirms Commitment to Digitizing Public Procurement through EGP System Rollout By Wilson Amondo  Nairobi  September 3, 2025 The Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM) has reaffirmed its strategic support for the nationwide rollout of the Electronic Government Procurement System (EGPS), positioning supply chain professionals as a critical pillar in modernizing and professionalizing public procurement in Kenya. As a statutory body established under the Supplies Practitioners Management Act (SPMA) No.17 of 2007, KISM is mandated to register, license, train, discipline, and regulate supply chain professionals across the country. With over 28,000 members, the Institute is playing a leading role in facilitating the end-to-end digital transformation of procurement processes. “The rollout of EGPS is not just a government directive—it is a necessary evolution,” said the Institute in a statement released after the recent Heads of Procurement Forum held from Aug...
Read more