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Nairobi Catholic Archdiocese in Kenya Announces Plans to Introduce Distinct Vestments for Catechists

Fr. James Kinuthia, Pastoral Coordinator of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi. Credit: YOUNIB Television Network
Sabrine Amboka

By Sabrine Amboka

Nairobi, 29 January, 2026 / 4:28 pm (ACI Africa).

The Pastoral Coordinator of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi has announced plans to introduce distinct vestments for Catechists in a move aimed at clearly differentiating them from Seminarians and the altar servers.

In his Thursday, January 29, reflection during the Catechists' Annual Mass at St. Monica Njiru Parish, Fr. James Kinuthia said that Catechists should not wear vestments traditionally reserved for the Clergy.

“The vestment for a Catechist is not an Alb and cassock, whether black or white,” he clarified, noting that some Catechists have been wearing vestments meant for the Clergy.

“We are looking for a garment because we want to distinguish Catechists from altar servers and Seminarians. Sometimes you go to a Parish, and you fail to distinguish whether this is a Seminarian or a Catechist,” he added.

The Catholic Priest emphasized that liturgical garments are not merely decorative but carry theological and vocational significance.

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To address the confusion, the Priest said that the Archdiocese of Nairobi is working on a new garment specifically designed for Catechists.

“We have special garments, and one of the recommendations is that the Catechist’s garment should not have buttons from top to bottom. That is the attire of Priests, Bishops, and Seminarians, and they have different colors,” the Catholic Priest said at the meeting which brought together more than 500 Catechists from the Archdiocese.

While the final colour and design are still under discussion, Catechists were advised, for the time being, to wear their current garments properly.

“If your garment has buttons, you should fasten all of them up to the top. If it has a zip, zip it up completely for the time being. If you have a cross, be moderate. Do not wear a very big cross that surpasses that of a Bishop,” the Priest said in the reflection that was published by the  YOUNIB Television Network.

The Priest highlighted the importance of Catechists in the Catholic Church, saying, “Catechists are very important people. They are keepers, agents in the Archdiocese of Nairobi, and we appreciate you.”

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The Pastoral Coordinator expressed gratitude for the Catechists’ commitment and solidarity, particularly following a recent tragedy in which one Catechist and his family members lost their lives in a road accident.

“You came and stood with the family to console them. Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart. You have shown your unity, and we congratulate all of you for that,” he said.

Catechist James Njoroge Kabari of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Ridgeways, his wife Teresia Wanjiru, and their children, Michael Kabari (6years)  and  John Mark Kabui (1 year), perished in the crash on January 5, leaving behind one daughter, Clare Wairimu, who survived the accident.

Sabrine Amboka

Sabrine Amboka is a Kenyan journalist with a passion for Catholic church communication. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from St. Paul's University in Kenya.

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