By Reuben Olita -Busia
The Fourth Bishop of ACK Katakwa Diocese, Rt Rev. Dr. Vitalis Job Ekuru, has unveiled six key pillars that will guide the Diocese in achieving its goals and objectives during his episcopate.
Speaking during his consecration and enthronement at Amagoro Comprehensive School on Sunday, Bishop Ekuru said the Diocese had developed a clear blueprint and roadmap to drive its mission and ensure sustainable growth.
ACK Katakwa Diocese, which was carved out of Nambale Diocese in 1991, serves parts of Busia, Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties and comprises 48 parishes.
The Bishop outlined the six strategic pillars as:
Mission, evangelism and spiritual growth.
Welfare, health and well-being.
Governance, leadership and policy development.
Education, research, training and advocacy.
Information, technology and communication.
Resource mobilisation and development.
“My leadership will engage in holistic ministry by scaling up our involvement in entrepreneurship, agriculture, healthcare, education, development and environmental stewardship through initiatives such as the Green Anglican Movement,” Bishop Ekuru said.
He added that the Diocese would strengthen partnerships with government agencies and like-minded organisations to promote development and improve the lives of the people.
The Bishop said every parish would be required to develop a strategic plan to ensure prudent management of resources.
“We will invest in capacity-building programmes, support our local parishes to become self-sustaining and empower the Kenya Anglican Men’s Association (KAMA) and the Mothers’ Union (MU) to undertake meaningful socio-economic projects that uplift families and communities.
My administration will also invest in income-generating projects to improve the Diocese’s financial stability, while the Boards of Finance and Social Services will develop structured systems for effective service delivery,” he said.
Bishop Ekuru described his vision as Christ-centred, mission-driven and financially sustainable, adding that the Diocese is richly endowed with both human and natural resources that can be harnessed for holistic growth and development.
He paid tribute to his predecessors—Rt Rev. Eliud Okiring, Rt Rev. Zakayo Iteba Epus and Rt Rev. John Okude—for laying a strong foundation for the Diocese.
“Their achievements will provide the foundation upon which I will build to make Katakwa Diocese even greater. I will continue to seek the wisdom and guidance of Bishops Zakayo and John as we work together to grow this Diocese,” he said.
The Bishop also acknowledged those who contributed to his spiritual formation, including the Diocese of Soroti in the Anglican Church of Uganda, former Bishop Gershom Illukol, who sponsored his theological studies at Bishop Bualasi Theological College, lecturer Rev. Daniel Etatai, the Sunday School ministry, KAYO, the Christian Union movement and church elders from Mt Elgon to Busia.
He further expressed gratitude to President William Ruto for his leadership and commitment to national development.
“I appreciate your investment in infrastructure, education, healthcare, food security and initiatives that promote unity and reconciliation. As a Diocese, we remain grateful for your service and assure you of our continued prayers and partnership as you lead our nation towards peace, prosperity and greatness,” Bishop Ekuru said.
In his concluding remarks, the Bishop called upon the clergy and faithful of the Diocese to remain united in fulfilling the Church’s mission.
“To the clergy and faithful of this Diocese, I offer my pastoral love and ask for your continued prayers and support. Let us walk together in unity, love and obedience to the Great Commission. The task before us is enormous, exciting and challenging, but together, with God’s guidance, we shall accomplish it,” he said.
