On Sunday, November 3, 2025, the Kenya Mennonite Church (KMC) marked a historic milestone with the official launch of its North Rift Diocese in Eldoret. Until this moment, KMC had seven dioceses spread across the country. The addition of the North Rift Diocese now makes it the eighth, expanding the church’s reach into vast areas of the Rift Valley and Western Kenya.
The new diocese will
encompass congregations in Eldoret, Turkana, Mt. Elgon, Serem in Nandi, and
even a church in Naivasha. This expansion signals not only geographical growth
but also a deepening of KMC’s mission to bring the gospel and holistic ministry
to communities that have long been on the periphery of its work.
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| Faithful gathered in Eldoret to witness the birth of the new diocese. |
Consecration of a
Shepherd
The launch climaxed
with the consecration of Rev. Josphat Kimani as the first bishop of the North
Rift Diocese. Rev. Kimani’s journey is itself a testimony of faith and
perseverance. Until his consecration, he served as pastor of Shalom Mennonite
Church in Eldoret—a congregation he helped establish six years ago alongside
his colleague, William Kiptoo.
From humble
beginnings, Shalom Mennonite has grown into a vibrant community of believers,
and now its founding pastor steps into a larger calling: shepherding the new
diocese. His consecration was met with joy, prayers, and heartfelt support from
the gathered faithful.
Rev. Josphat Kimani consecrated as the first bishop of the North Rift Diocese. |
For decades, KMC’s
ministry was concentrated in Nyanza and Nairobi, with only sporadic presence in
other regions. The launch of the North Rift Diocese marks a turning point.
According to Moderator Samson Omondi, this expansion represents “a new era for
the church,” one that reflects the growth and maturity of KMC’s ministry.
The Moderator
emphasized that the church’s mission is not only to plant congregations but
also to nurture communities through education, peacebuilding, and social
outreach. The North Rift Diocese, with its vast and diverse geography, offers
fertile ground for this vision.
A Celebration of
Unity
The launch service was
graced by leaders from all seven dioceses, invited guests, and representatives
from other churches. Their presence underscored the unity and shared vision
that binds the Mennonite community together.
Messages of goodwill
poured in, including one from Jeremiah Ekamais
Lomorukai Napotikan, the Governor
of Turkana County, who pledged to continue working closely with the church. The
governor commended KMC’s recent relief program in Turkana, which had brought
much-needed support to vulnerable families. He described the program as
“impactful” and expressed hope that the new diocese would strengthen
partnerships between church and government in serving communities.
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KMC leaders from across the country joined hands to celebrate the historic launch
Encouragement Amid Challenges
While the atmosphere
was celebratory, leaders did not shy away from acknowledging the challenges
ahead. A new diocese means new responsibilities: establishing infrastructure,
acquiring land, and supporting congregations scattered across vast distances.
KMC leaders encouraged
Bishop Kimani to press on with courage and faith, reminding him that every
great work begins with small steps. They urged the faithful to rally behind
their new bishop, offering prayers, resources, and fellowship to ensure the
diocese thrives.
The words of
encouragement carried echoes of the Mennonite tradition—rooted in resilience,
community, and service. The challenges are real, but so is the commitment to
overcome them.
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| Shalom Mennonite Church in Eldoret, where Bishop Kimani's pastoral journey began |
Looking Ahead
The launch of the
North Rift Diocese is more than an administrative milestone; it is a spiritual
marker of growth and renewal. It reflects KMC’s determination to extend its
ministry beyond traditional strongholds and into regions where the church’s
presence can bring transformation.
For the congregations
in Eldoret, Turkana, Mt. Elgon, Serem, and Naivasha, the new diocese offers a
sense of belonging and recognition. For the wider church, it is a reminder that
God’s mission continues to unfold in new and unexpected ways.
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| KMC’s relief program in Turkana—an example of ministry beyond the pulpit |
Conclusion
As the service
concluded, worshippers left with hearts full of hope. The consecration of
Bishop Josphat Kimani and the launch of the North Rift Diocese is a show of KMC’s
faith in God.
The journey ahead may
be marked by challenges, but it is also illuminated by opportunity. With unity,
prayer, and steadfast commitment, the North Rift Diocese is poised to become a
beacon of faith and service in the Rift Valley and beyond.
Indeed, November 3
will be remembered as the day KMC stepped boldly into a new chapter of its
story—a chapter written not only in Eldoret but across the valleys, hills, and
plains of Kenya’s heartland.
“The launch of the North Rift Diocese is not just the opening of a new chapter, but the unfolding of God’s promise—that where His people gather in faith, His church will grow and His light will shine.” — Moderator Samson Omondi
