The Catholic Church in Kenya is preparing to host the 21st Plenary Assembly of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences of Eastern Africa, a significant ecclesial gathering that will bring together bishops from across eastern and parts of southern Africa for reflection on the Church’s mission in the region.
Rose Achiego Ande - Nairobi The assembly, scheduled to take place in Nairobi from 17 to 26 July 2026, will convene participants from AMECEA’s member countries—Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, and Zambia—as well as representatives from associate regions including Djibouti and Somalia. Building bridges of communion In a message shared with Vatican News, Archbishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba, Chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, described the event as “a moment of grace” for both the Church in Kenya and the wider Eastern African region. “We are honoured as a country and as a local Church to host this plenary assembly,” Archbishop Muhatia said. “It brings together the People of God from across our region to reflect on our shared pastoral realities and to strengthen our common mission of evangelization.” The 2026 plenary assembly will be held under the theme: “Building Bridges of Communion, Hope, Justice, and Good Governance.” According to AMECEA President, Bishop Charles Kasonde of Zambia, the theme reflects the regional Church’s commitment to addressing both pastoral and societal concerns in a spirit of synodality. “This plenary is an opportunity for us to come together as a Church to reflect, to listen, and to discern how we can better serve our communities,” Bishop Kasonde said. “It is also a moment to respond to the aspirations of our people, especially the young, who are calling for justice, accountability, and hope.” The plenary assembly is expected to bring together a wide representation of Bishops, Church officials, priests, religious men and women, as well as youth delegates and professionals from Catholic institutions. Engaging young people in AMECEA Particular emphasis will be placed on the role of young people in the life of the Church. Archbishop Muhatia highlighted the importance of engaging youth in the transmission of faith and in shaping the Church’s present and future. “The young people are not only the future of the Church; they are its present,” he said, calling for greater inclusion and participation of youth in ecclesial processes.