Create the Future Kenya Today
Press Statement
Preamble
The Coast Region of the National Council of Churches of Kenya has held a two-day forum to reflect on the electoral and governance state of the nation here at ACK St Thomas church, Kilifi. The forum brought together officials, leaders and delegates from Lamu, Tana River, Kilifi, Taita Taveta, Kwale and Mombasa counties.
During the forum, the leaders reflected on the scripture recorded in Matthew 24: 32 – 33
Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door.
Recognizably, Kenya is in a season of change, and it is Kenyans who will determine whether the new nation will be prosperous or impoverished, whether democratic or dictatorial, whether full of justice or oppression. In this context, we share the following message:
1. Safeguard Democracy
As provided for in Article 38 (3) of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, political leadership is established through democratic elections. We do not have any other means of putting anyone in a position of political leadership except through elections. For this reason, we must all make every effort possible to protect and prosper our democracy. Towards this, we make the following recommendations:
(a) Register as a Voter
We appeal to all the youth of Kenya to speedily register as voters. Your cry for change has been heard by the people of Kenya and by God in heaven. The change will however not come if you do not show up and vote for the leaders who espouse the values and principles you are seeking for. Do not wait to be mobilized or paid or given a reason to participate in the electoral process. Rather, take it as your opportunity to make Kenya the nation you want it to be. Let us learn from the wisdom of Deuteronomy 1: 13
Choose some wise, understanding and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will set them over you.
Failing to vote will be an unforgivable sin against the nation and people of Kenya.
(b) Assure Kenyans of Free and Fair Elections
In every engagement we have had with Kenyans in our churches and communities, it consistently emerged that most do not have confidence in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to deliver free and fair elections. We urge the Commissioners to remember that their appointment was shrouded in doubts and questions regarding their character and independence. As such, they have a moral and constitutional obligation to redeem their image and assure Kenyans that our democracy is safe in their hands. The first step in this journey is improving communication with the people of Kenya. For example, why is the IEBC insisting on scanning the iris during voter registration without providing any explanations? Or why were the results of past elections removed from the IEBC website? We encourage you to learn the wisdom of Proverbs 22: 1
A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
(c) End Early Campaigns
Quite regrettably, politicians and aspirants have embarked on early campaigns for the 2027 General Elections despite them being 2 years away. Worse still, these campaigns are riddled with hate speech, radicalization and other forms of public incitement. We strongly condemn these individuals who are setting up the nation for violence and chaos. On their part, we call upon Kenyans to refuse to listen or follow anyone who provokes them against other people. Let us take the warning God has given in Proverbs 1: 10 – 11
My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them, if they say, Come along with us, let’s lie in wait for someone’s blood, let’s waylay some harmless soul.
(d) Stop Campaigns in Churches
As politicians push and shove to position themselves for the 2027 elections cycle, we have noted the emerging trend of campaigning in churches. It is obscene that the same leaders who outlawed participation in fundraising rallies are carrying huge amounts of money to churches for public relations and political reasons. We urge our brother and sister clergy to recall and apply the Guidelines for Ministering to Politicians that we agreed upon as NCCK member churches. Let us refuse to give our pulpits as platforms for campaigns and political mobilization. Instead, we will use our platforms to educate Kenyans so that they hold the political leaders accountable.
2. Address Poverty
We find it a very sad reality that the government and political leaders are using poverty as a tool of oppression and suppression by deliberately destroying the livelihoods of the people. Imposing high taxation and enacting laws that kill businesses has raised unemployment to unmanageable levels, resulting in unprecedented levels of crime, gender based violence, and family breakups. The police and other state agencies no longer enforce the law but are seemingly interested only in collecting bribes. For sure, the people of Kenya are now realizing the true meaning of Proverbs 22: 7
The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is a servant of the lender.
We demand that the Members of Parliament from our counties stop speaking in burials and instead go to Parliament and revoke the oppressive laws that have been passed in the recent past. The citizens are watching and will use this as the determiner in the coming elections.
3. Resolve Crisis in Education Sector
A government that handles education of our children casually is a government that has failed. We find it unbelievable that the government has refused to hear the cry of students who cannot afford university education fees after the transition to the new model. Primary and secondary schools are over-burdened with debts as the capitation funds are not only delayed but are also never fully remitted. When will the government learn to listen to the people, or are they deliberately trying to create a generation of uneducated Kenyans assuming that they will be easier to suppress?
4. Secure Healthy Foods for Kenyans
Admittedly, the food people eat determine their health status. For this reason, we call upon the government to take necessary measures to safeguard the efforts by Kenyans to eat healthy food. We especially call for urgent finalization and enforcement of legal measures to regulate the marketing of foods high in salt, sugar and saturated fats. In addition, the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Trade need to conclude their consultations and finalize the policy and guidelines on application of Front of Pack Warning Labels. Every Kenyan has a right to know what they are eating. Let us all remember that foods high in salt, sugar and saturated fats expose people to Non Communicable Diseases including diabetes, hypertension, cancer, heart conditions and other cardiovascular diseases. We need to help Kenyans eat healthy foods.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we remind ourselves and all Kenyans that our nation is at a point of change and rebirth. We must all play our part in ensuring that this season of change will leave Kenya better, more democratic, and genuinely prosperous. For this, we must be committed to seeking and electing people who will be of benefit to the nation, learning from 1 Corinthians 15: 33
Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.
We wish all Kenyans a Jesus-centered Christmas and a blessed and God-filled New Year 2026.
Signed on this 7th day of November 2025 at Anglican Church of Kenya St Thomas church, Kilifi
Rt Rev Reuben Katite
Vice Chairman, NCCK Coast Region
