The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), today held her Regional Committee Meeting for Nairobi , ahead of the forthcoming Regional Conference slated for June this year. The meeting brought together over 78 delegates from Nairobi and was graced by the NCCK General Secretary Reverend Canon Peter Karanja, who praised Council regions for their tremendous work across the country.
Canon Karanja used the occasion to unveil his deputy Dr. Nelson Makanda to Nairobi region, appealing to the delegates to support him in his new role. “Please pray for him, please support him, please encourage him and provide an opportunity for him to serve,” Canon Karanja implored them. While revisiting the rigorous recruitment process that saw him appointed in November last year, the NCCK boss described Dr. Makanda as an “amazing brother and a gift from God.”
Dr. Makanda who officially took office early this month, is on a month-long tour of the Council’s 9 regions as part of his elaborate induction programme. So far the NCCK’s second in command has toured North Rift, South Rift, Nyanza and Western regions.
During his inaugural address to the region, Dr. Makanda emphasized on the need for church leaders to vigorously engage in national issues such as devolution and health matters. He regretted that church leaders had shied away from such issues. “Its ‘trial and error’ period since nobody seems to know how devolution should work on the ground. Any advice? Duty bearers need to follow the constitutional provisions with regard to devolusion,” he said.
The well-attended Nairobi Regional Committee Meeting was presided over by the outgoing chair of the region Bishop Dr. Mophat Kilioba.
On her part, NCCK’s Regional Coordinator for Nairobi region Phyllis Kiarie, said that the delegates had been re-energized for Council work and were looking forward to a successful General Assembly. “ The church leaders have committed themselves to governance and health issues and are passionate for NCCK work,” she revealed. The sentiments were echoed by NCCK Senior Programmes Officer for Operations Kepha Nyandega, who described the meeting as “lively, engaging and exhaustive.” He added that they were now looking forward to the remaining regional meetings.
