In a momentous step towards enhancing youth ministry in Kenya, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) officially inaugurated the Commission for Youth Apostolate in November 2024.
This new body aims to serve as the focal point for all youth-related activities and spiritual guidance within the Catholic Church, marking a fresh chapter in the Church’s commitment to engaging young people in faith, leadership, and societal development.
The formation of the Commission was announced during the KCCB’s Plenary Assembly at Clergy Home in Nairobi, where the Bishops unanimously agreed to establish an independent commission dedicated exclusively to the spiritual and social needs of young Catholics.
Previously, youth affairs were overseen by the Commission for Pastoral and Lay Apostolate.
However, with the growing demands and ever-evolving nature of youth ministry, the Bishops recognized the need for a dedicated structure to better address the challenges and opportunities of engaging young people in the Church.
A historic moment followed on February 18, 2025, with the official handing over of the Youth Office to the newly formed Commission for Youth Apostolate.
The ceremony marked the completion of a significant transition, underscoring the Church’s renewed focus on its younger members.
The event was presided over by Bishop Joseph Mwongela, Chairman of the Commission for Pastoral and Lay Apostolate, who handed over the reins to Bishop Henry Juma Odonya, the first Chairman of the Commission for Youth Apostolate. Also present were Bishop Peter Kimani, Vice Chairman of the Commission for Youth, and Fr. Cosmas Muova, National Youth Chaplain for the KCCB.
The ceremony was filled with optimism and a shared commitment to serving the spiritual and social well-being of young Catholics across Kenya.
Bishop Henry Juma Odonya, who will lead the newly formed Commission, emphasized the importance of equipping young people with a strong foundation in faith, morality, and leadership. “Our youth are the future of the Church,” Bishop Odonya said.
“It is our responsibility to ensure that they are prepared to face the challenges of today’s world, with the right spiritual, moral, and leadership guidance.”
The formation of the KCCB – Commission for Youth Apostolate represents a significant milestone in the Catholic Church’s mission in Kenya.
The new commission will not only strengthen the bond between the Church and its young members but also promote their active participation in shaping the future of the Church and society.
With a committed leadership team and a clear vision, the Commission is poised to become a beacon of hope and empowerment for Kenya’s youth, helping them grow in faith, character, and community engagement.
This transformative initiative is expected to inspire a new generation of young Catholics who will carry forward the Church’s mission and continue to uphold Catholic values in an increasingly complex world.
The KCCB’s efforts signal a bright future for youth apostolate in Kenya, creating a vibrant and faith-filled generation that will positively impact the country and the global Catholicc ommunity.
