A New Dawn: KMC Launches North Rift Diocese in Eldoret

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.

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.

A New Era for KMC

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.

                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.

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.

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