Anglican Church of Kenya Diocese of Kitale > History of the Diocese

History of the Diocese

Welcome to the Anglican Diocese of Kitale

The Diocese of Kitale is one of the 42 dioceses under the Anglican Church of Kenya, which is part of the global Anglican Communion. Our journey traces its roots back to the historic Diocese of Mombasa, which was subdivided in 1961 to form the Fort Hall, Maseno, and Nakuru dioceses. Kitale was initially part of Nakuru until 1983, when it became part of the newly created Diocese of Eldoret under the late Bishop Alexander Kipsang Muge. Following his untimely demise in 1990, Bishop Stephen Kewasis Nyorsok succeeded him, continuing the mission in Eldoret.

Our Establishment and Growth

The Diocese of Kitale was formally established on 1st July 1997, having been carved out of the Diocese of Eldoret. The first Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Stephen Kewasis Nyorsok, led the diocese until 2018. The current Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Chemengich, was consecrated on 7th October 2018. Under the leadership of these visionary bishops, the Diocese has experienced tremendous growth and success, becoming a beacon of faith, development, and hope in the North Rift region.

Key Achievements Over the Years

Our journey has been marked by several milestones that have significantly impacted the lives of our community members and strengthened our ministry. Here are some of our notable achievements:

  • Construction of Diocesan Offices (2003): We established our central administrative hub, facilitating efficient operations and outreach.
  • Expansion of Bishop Muge Mission Centre (BMMC): Over 25 years, we have transformed BMMC into a vibrant facility, adding new guest accommodations, conference facilities, and an agri-business unit with dairy and horticulture farming.
  • Acquisition of a 100-acre Farm in Kapomboi (2007): This strategic purchase has supported various diocesan projects and community initiatives.
  • Creation of Lodwar Missionary Diocese (2007): Demonstrating our commitment to evangelism, Lodwar Diocese was established to extend our reach to Turkana County.
  • Launch of a Strategic Plan (2019 – 2023): This comprehensive plan, built around five strategic pillars, has guided our development, resource allocation, and mission activities.
  • Creation of Kapenguria Diocese (2022): A major milestone that saw the birth of a new diocese, enhancing our evangelistic efforts and expanding our presence in the region.
  • Restructuring Diocesan Administration (2020): To streamline our operations, we reorganized into three key boards: Board of Administration & Finance (BAF), Board of Mission and Discipleship (BMD), and Board of Education & Social Services (BESS).
  • Uniform Parish Stewardship Programme (PSP): Implemented in 2019 to strengthen resource management and community support across all parishes.
  • New Spirituality and Discipleship Programs: Initiated in 2019, these include “Rooted in Jesus” for both clergy and laity, and comprehensive youth discipleship programs such as ‘Vuka Christian Rites of Passage’.
  • Yireh Foundation Company Limited (YFCL): Established in 2020, YFCL manages our business ventures including Yireh Restaurant, Financial Services, and BMMC operations, supporting the Diocese’s sustainability.
  • Leadership Development and Capacity Building: Through the Diocesan Leadership Institute (DLI), we are equipping clergy and lay leaders for effective ministry and service.
  • Establishment of Medicare and Welfare Schemes (2022): Providing better healthcare support and welfare for our clergy and staff.
  • Creation of 67 New Parishes: Since 1997, we have grown from 20 parishes to 87 by 2021, fostering spiritual growth and local church development.
  • Consecration of St Luke’s Cathedral (2021): A significant landmark that symbolizes our growth and spiritual maturity.
  • Strategic Partnerships: We have established partnerships with organizations such as Just Earth, Discipling Marketplace Leaders (DML), and Purpose-Driven Church (PDC).
  • New Hostel at Bishop Muge Mission Centre: We completed the construction of a modern hostel facility at BMMC, providing more accommodation options for conference guests and visitors.
  • Ongoing Construction of ACK Kitale Towers: This flagship project is set to become a landmark, providing commercial space and enhancing the diocese’s financial sustainability.
  • Upcoming Eco-Dairy Project at Kapomboi Farm: The Diocese is set to launch a state-of-the-art eco-dairy project that will promote sustainable farming practices, generate income, and support the local community with training and employment opportunities.
  • Launch of the 2024-2028 Diocesan Strategic Plan.  

Current Status and Resources

Today, the Diocese of Kitale is home to:

  • 8 Archdeaconries
  • 17 Rural and Urban Deaneries
  • 70 Parishes
  • 235 Local Churches
  • 96 Clergy Members
  • 485 Lay Readers
  • 10 Diocesan office Staff

Join Us in Our Mission

We invite you to be a part of this incredible journey of faith and service. Whether you are a parishioner, a partner, or a visitor, your presence and support are vital to the success of our mission. Together, let us continue building a strong, thriving, and impactful Diocese of Kitale.

Pictorial of Diocesan Key milestone and achievements