By Peter Ochieng
Archbishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba of the Kisumu Metropolitan, has been appointed the new Chairman of Kenya Conference of the Catholic Bishops (KCCB).
He succeeds Martin Kivuva Musonde of the Archdiocese of Mombasa, who has completed his term.
Before his appointment, he was the vice Chair of KCCB.
He will be assisted by Archbishop Anthony Muheria, of the Nyeri Metropolitan.
“Congratulations to Archbishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba of the Archdiocese of Kisumu on his appointment as the new Chairperson of KCCB,” reads a message shared on Radio Maria – Kisumu social media pages.
The station is among several owned by the Catholic Church in the country.
According to KCCB.or.ke, the Chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops is elected by the plenary assembly.
He presides over all the ordinary and extra-ordinary plenary assemblies and also the Permanent Council of Bishops.
He is the official spokesman of the Conference, and he represents the Conference in all local and international forums either personally or by delegation.
KCCB chair is responsible for the continuity of the Conference’s activities, for the supervision of the work of the General Secretariat with the assistance of the Vice chairman-KCCB, among other roles.
The holder of the office is elected for a period of three years, and is charged with the responsibility of implementing the decisions of the plenary assembly for the continuity of KCCB activities.
The office of the chairman, otherwise known as General Secretary was established in 1961.
The main purpose is to support Dioceses in enhancing their capabilities, for effective implementation of projects/ programs at the grassroots.
It draws its vision and mission from Christ’s mandate of Christ’s, “You shall be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8).”
Goals of KCCB include communion and collegiality among bishops, and the Supreme Roman Pontiff, growth of the Catholic Church community in responding to the various evangelizing needs, financial sustainable KCCB and facilitating self-reliant dioceses, and a just and responsive society especially towards the poor and under privileged.
Others are improved and sustained capacity of dioceses to increase pastoral work, holistic formed person in keeping with the needs and circumstances of the time, mutual understanding and respect among faiths and religions and establish dialogue forums, and appropriate and adequate Formation of evangelizing agents especially priests.