The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) General Secretary Reverend Canon Peter Karanja is confident that the re-constituted Finance and Administration Committee (F.A.C) of the Council will surpass its expectations.
While congratulating new members on their appointment, Canon Karanja pointed out that the team comprised high caliber individuals with a great potential of transforming the signature of the Council. He added that the members had a greater responsibility of ensuring that the Council was self sustaining.
Canon Karanja was speaking at Jumuia Conference and Country Home, Limuru, during the induction of five new members of F.A.C. “If F.A.C goes to sleep, the Council will be in trouble. We have a responsibility that is much greater. You have oversight on all Council investments. You are the custodian of our balance sheet, so the stewardship must be very high. I feel very proud that we have this kind of a team,” he said during the session that was also attended by NCCK Honorary Treasurer Mr. Sam Mwale, Deputy General Secretary Dr. Nelson Makanda and Mr. Sam Kotut who also chairs the board of Jumuia Resorts.
The new F.A.C members who were inducted are John Thiong’o, Lyn Mengich, Veronica Muchiri, James Ochami and Rebecca Miano. They will now join the team whose other members include Kibuga Kariithi (Chairman), Honorary Treasurer, the General Secretary, his deputy, Eliud Nyakundi, Sam Kotut, Dr. Isaac Kalua, Desmond Mtula, Gidraph Nduati and Monica Gitonga.
The induction included an up to date appraisal of the Council’s financial status and investments across the country.
Mr. Mwale said: “Let’s not be afraid to ask questions. Let us do a rigorous job because that is what is expected of us as good stewards.” He urged the team to develop a good relationship with Council staff and other structures to enable them to deliver on their mandate.
On his part Dr. Makanda said: “We pray and ask that you will reserve nothing and will be candid. You are doing this for God. We therefore look forward to a wonderful engagement.”
The members expressed their joy for being given the opportunity to serve at the Council.
While Nduati pointed out that their job was already cut out, his colleagues Muchiri and Mengich were convinced that the Council had ultimately captured their hearts and mind.
Muchiri said: “I look forward to being part of this Committee. NCCK has been a pace-setter in many ways. I can’t wait to see what will come out of this. We are on the right track, let’s keep trusting God.”
Mengich said: “This meeting has been very informative. From a strategic position we can see the vision. It was good inducting us on governance and the structures of the Council. We appreciate and look forward to working with you.”
Their sentiments were echoed by Ochami, Kotut and Monica. “I am sure we shall achieve a lot in the next 2 years. I also look forward to learning,” said Kotut.
According to Rebecca, the induction was an eye opener to the greater Council. “I am very surprised today. I did not know much about the Council. I have also known how to induct new members!” she remarked.
Others who attended the meeting included Jumuia Resorts Chief Executive Officer William Kemboi, Ufungamano House Director Pauline Mungai, NCCK’s Finance Manager Mary Wanjiku, Legal Officer Gregory Papoi, Internal Auditor Gilbert Wanjohi Human Resources Officer Rose Wambugu and Administrative Secretary (Finance) Sophie Kamenju .
The Finance and Administration Committee is mandated to among other things, supervise the management of the financial affairs of the Council and ensure responsible stewardship of Council resources and assets.
