By Francis Ngahu Ndatha

NAIROBI, Kenya, July 20, 2026. The 21st AMECEA Plenary Assembly was officially opened in Nairobi on Monday, bringing together Church leaders, government officials, diplomats, and delegates from across Eastern Africa to reflect on the Church’s mission among young people.

The opening session featured hymns by the St. John Riruta Choir and was attended by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who represented President William Ruto. Also present were Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Members of Parliament, ambassadors, and other invited guests.

Welcoming delegates, the Chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba, said the assembly seeks to listen attentively to young people and respond to their hopes and aspirations.

“The topic of young people and our care for them, AMECEA wants to listen attentively through their vibrance. May the Lord open our hearts and minds,” Archbishop Muhatia said.

AMECEA Chairman Bishop Charles Kasonde reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to accompanying young people and promoting their active participation in the life and mission of the Church.

Governor Sakaja described the assembly’s theme as timely, saying many young people face unemployment and hopelessness. He thanked the Catholic Church for walking with young people and urged leaders to make hope tangible through meaningful opportunities.

Addressing the assembly, Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi reaffirmed the Kenyan government’s solidarity with the Catholic Church and commended AMECEA for prioritising youth mentorship. He encouraged young people to reject violence, divisive politics, and the misuse of social media, while embracing discipline, peace, and responsible leadership.

Challenging the delegates, Mudavadi asked, “What is the economic value of peace?” and urged them to contribute to building peaceful and prosperous nations.

He later declared the 21st AMECEA Plenary Assembly officially open