21st AMECEA Plenary Officially Opens at CUEA

The 21st Plenary Assembly of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) officially opened on Monday, July 20, 2026, at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) in Nairobi, bringing together Catholic bishops and delegates from across the region for a week of deliberations on the Church's mission in Eastern Africa.

The opening ceremony was presided over by the Prime Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Musalia Mudavadi, who represented the President of Kenya, Dr. William Samoei Ruto.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Hon. Musalia Mudavadi greets AMECEA bishops on arrival at CUEA. In his address, Hon. Mudavadi commended the Catholic Church in Kenya and the wider Eastern African region for its longstanding partnership with governments in delivering essential services, particularly in education, healthcare, and social development. He also praised the Church for adopting a timely plenary theme that focuses on the aspirations and challenges of young people, who constitute the majority of the population in the region.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja welcomed the bishops and delegates to the Kenyan capital, reflecting on his own leadership journey at a relatively young age. He underscored the vital role of young people in shaping society and encouraged the Church to continue empowering them through its pastoral and development initiatives.

Following the official opening, the bishops and delegates will commence study sessions and continue with business sessions throughout the week as they deliberate on matters affecting the Church and society in Eastern Africa.

Group photograph of AMECEA bishops, delegates and guests at the CUEA Auditorium. The week-long plenary provides a platform for the region's Catholic leaders to strengthen collaboration, share pastoral experiences, and chart a common vision for responding to emerging social, spiritual, and developmental challenges.