Kenya’s Lodwar Diocese has “urgent needs that stretch from most basic necessities”, Bishop Says, Appeals for Solidarity

Nairobi, 22 September, 2025 / 1:34 AM

Bishop John Mbinda of Kenya’s Catholic Diocese of Lodwar has appealed for solidarity in addressing the many needs of the people of God in his Episcopal See, which he says include the basic human needs.

Speaking to ACI Africa on September 19 after presiding over the Diaconate Ordination of 15 Deacons at St. John the Evangelist Holy Ghost Karen Parish of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi (ADN), Bishop Mbinda highlighted the challenges that ordinary people grapple with.

“The Diocese of Lodwar faces very serious challenges, as it remains underdeveloped, with urgent needs that stretch from the most basic necessities,” he said, adding, “The government should hear this; the people of Kenya should hear this.”

The Kenyan member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans/Holy Ghost Fathers/CSSp.) appealed for solidarity through initiatives spearheaded by Bishop colleagues saying, “Dioceses which are better placed to support Dioceses in the periphery, in the drought areas.”

The Dioceses with means, he said, can “mobilize resources to support these mission areas where the needs are greatest.”

The Local Ordinary of Lodwar Diocese since his Episcopal Consecration in June 2022 went on to highlight specific gaps in his Episcopal See from the education sector to that of health among others.

“There are many children who have never been to school and who need scholarships in order to access education,” he said, and added, “There are also many young men and women who have completed college but remain unemployed, making youth unemployment an urgent issue that needs to be addressed.”

“The health services, especially in the most interior areas, are wanting, really wanting, and many people are losing their lives because these services are not available,” he lamented, and added, “In most areas, people have to travel very long distances, sometimes just to access a single Panadol.”

Bishop Mbinda continued, “The roads are rough and winding in some places, and at times you are not even sure whether you will make it back when you go out.”

In the September 19 interview on the sidelines of the Diaconate Ordination of 12 Spiritans and their three counterparts from the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists/CSsR), Bishop Mbinda also expressed concern about adverse effects of climate change in his Episcopal See including prolonged drought and the rising waters in Lake Turkana.

“You know we are living in a desert, and livelihoods are not easy. The Turkana keep livestock, but their herds continue to diminish because of famine and recurrent droughts. There is therefore a need to address livelihoods and explore what can be done,” he said.

He added, “We are also affected by the phenomenon impacting all the lakes within the Rift Valley, the rising waters of Lake Turkana, formerly called Lake Rudolf, has swallowed villages. As a result, we have displaced people who are now seeking support: food, clothing, and anything that can help them live a decent life.”

The Kenyan Catholic Church leader also pointed to the plight of refugees fleeing violent conflicts in neighbouring countries and sheltered in the Kakuma refugee camp, describing their situation as another pressing pastoral need that requires support.

“Refugees continue to arrive in Kakuma, and with reduced funding from the US, it seems they are now looking to the Church for support,” he said. 

He acknowledged the efforts of the Catholic Justice and Peace Department in his Diocese, particularly in offering counselling and other humanitarian services, but emphasized the need for additional support, “particularly in providing food and other basic necessities.”

“The needs are as many as you can imagine, but we simply try to do what is possible,” Bishop Mbinda said, noting that despite the challenges, the Diocese continues to move forward.

He said, “We know the grace of God is with us, and we are encouraged by the many people who support us through prayer, financial contributions, scholarships, medicine, and even the construction of Fathers’ houses and Convents.”

“We want to encourage these people to continue supporting us, because their help gives us hope. Above all, the greatest source of hope I have witnessed in Lodwar is the joy and love of the people for us who serve there, the missionaries and the local Clergy alike,” he added.

The first-ever Kenyan Spiritan Bishop went to laud the people of God under his pastoral care for their eagerness to receive the Good News and how they participate in the celebration of Sacraments, particularly the Holy Eucharist “with joy.” 

“Even when some have gone without food for two or three days, they still celebrate, dance, and remain joyful. That joy gives me hope and inspires me, and many others, to continue serving in Lodwar, and encouraging our people to keep moving forward with hope,” Bishop Mbinda told ACI Africa on September 19.