Breaking Chains of Corruption: Church Projects Set to Make Waves in Kenya

In a decisive move that could redefine Kenya’s fight against corruption, Catholic dioceses and religious associations in Kenya are turning to data-driven, community-led strategies to foster integrity and accountability across the country. This shift follows a two-day workshop held on June 17–18, 2025, at Hekima Institute of Peace Studies and International Relations (HIPSIR), Nairobi, facilitated by the Loyola Centre for Media and Communications (LCMC).

The workshop, brought together representatives from Catholic Women’s Association (CWA), Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya (AOSK), and religious men and women from various dioceses. Their mission was to develop concrete evidence-based projects with full implementation plans aimed at addressing deep-seated governance challenges.

Dr.Elias Mokua SJ, addressing the catholic faithful representatives during the workshop at HIPSIR,Nairobi

Among the standout initiatives is the “Strengthening Community Oversight for Accountable Governance” project by the Archdiocese of Kisumu. It zeroes in on weak procurement systems, stalled public works, and the chronic lack of citizen participation in oversight. Similarly, the “County Pharmacy Watch” spearheaded by the Diocese of Malindi seeks to shine a light on corruption in public pharmaceutical services, where life-saving drugs often disappear due to mismanagement and theft.

LCMC in collaboration with the Kenya conference of the Catholic Bishops(KCCB)also launched a six-month national campaign titled “Breaking the Chains of Corruption,” designed to mobilize the public and Church institutions around transparency, ethics, and active citizenship.

“The power of the Church lies not only in the pulpit but also in mobilizing communities to demand justice and live it daily,” said Dr. Elias Mokua, SJ, Executive Director of LCMC.

By the close of the workshop, each group had finalized a comprehensive, evidence-based project with a clear implementation framework. The initiative not only strengthens inter-diocesan collaboration but also injects a new level of professionalism and structure into Church-led civic efforts.

These projects are expected to create ripple effects across Kenyan counties which runs from improved service delivery in local health facilities to more vigilant community monitoring of public funds. With churches, convents, and Catholic associations acting as hubs for civic education, the potential to shift public attitudes and behaviors toward integrity is immense.

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