Later this year, the Reformed Church of East Africa (RCEA) will commemorate its Golden Jubilee—celebrating 50 years since it was formally instituted as an autonomous church in 1963. The jubilee celebrations, to be held across various parishes, will offer a moment of reflection on RCEA’s journey, its achievements, and its future direction.
This marks the first time the church will take structured stock of its mission since gaining independence from its Dutch missionary founders. According to Rev. Andrew Onyaiti, Deputy Moderator for the Eastern Presbytery, the Jubilee is more than just a celebration—it is a moment for introspection.
“It will be a time to dig down our history, meditate and erase things that are not beneficial as we make tough decisions regarding our future,” he said.
Humble Beginnings
RCEA’s roots date back to the 1930s when early mission work began in Western Kenya. It was during this period that “Bwana Loubser Sending Mission” and missionary B.B. Eybers began ministering to African laborers on settler farms. The official establishment of a mission came in 1944 when the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) of South Africa set up a base in Eldoret. This would later be reinforced by the involvement of the Netherlands Reformed Church, resulting in a theological foundation known as the “Three Forms of Unity.”
The church was formally granted autonomy in 1963, marking a significant shift from missionary oversight to local leadership and self-governance.
Growth and Impact
Since independence, the church has grown steadily. From a modest 200 congregations and approximately 30,000 members in 1963, RCEA now boasts over 10,000 congregations. It is currently served by over 70 ordained ministers across four presbyteries and more than 50 parishes.
Beyond spiritual work, the church has made substantial contributions in community development. In regions like Turkana and West Pokot—areas often plagued by drought and conflict—RCEA has been a vital player in humanitarian support and development programs. Its work has included disaster relief, education, and community empowerment, especially in marginalized communities.
Challenges on the Horizon
Despite its achievements, the church continues to face challenges. Expansion beyond its traditional Western Kenya base has been limited, with only scattered congregations in former “extension areas.” The church has also maintained a conservative posture in public discourse and has yet to make any visible or vocal stand on major national issues.
This cautious approach has drawn both praise for its focus on spiritual matters and criticism for its perceived silence in times of national debate.
As RCEA enters its sixth decade, questions loom about its role in a changing society. Will it continue to stay the course as a quietly faithful institution, or will it begin to speak more boldly to the challenges facing Kenya’s religious and civic life?
The Jubilee celebration may well set the tone for this next chapter.
