Kenya’s Lenten campaign: A call to national renewal for equity and human dignity

Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA – Nairobi  

The Lenten campaign message, signed by the Auxiliary Bishop of Wote Diocese and Chairman of the KCCB's Catholic Justice and Peace Department, Bishop Simon Peter Kamomoe, presents the Lenten season as both a spiritual journey and a practical roadmap for national healing.

A just, peaceful and united Kenya

"Lent is a sacred season in the Catholic tradition, calling us to humility, conversion, and a deeper awareness of our dependence on God," Bishop Kamomoe said and added, "Our spiritual renewal is meant to bear fruit in the way we treat one another and care for our nation."

Members of KCCB have themed the 2026 Lenten season: "Building a Just, Peaceful and United Kenya: Upholding Equity and Human Dignity."

The 40-day journey of five weeks of observance addresses critical issues challenging Kenya today, from leadership failures and economic hardship to election violence and environmental destruction.

Renewing commitment to justice

As the Bishops urge Christians to confront pressing national challenges with renewed commitment to justice, peace, and human dignity, the first week of Lent will focus on leadership and integrity as foundations for a just society.

The second week reflects on the heavy burden of public debt and rising taxes that have left ordinary Kenyan families struggling to meet basic needs.

"We cannot continue borrowing without clear benefits and still hope to hand over a healthy nation to our children," the Bishops’ message reads in part.

In the third week the Bishops want the faithful in Kenya in to focus on the sanctity and dignity of human life with particular attention to election-related violence. The Bishops note that even before the next General Election in 2027, lives have already been lost, and communities are grieving due to political violence.

"Human life is never a burden to be managed or a problem to be solved. It is a sacred gift entrusted to us," the Lenten campaign message emphasises.

AI: Opportunities and challenges

The fourth week examines youth and technology, acknowledging both the opportunities and challenges presented by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital platforms.

"Families, schools, churches, community groups, and national institutions all have an important role in helping to build safe and supportive environments where technology uplifts human dignity and strengthens relationships," Bishop Kamomoe stated.

The final week invites the people of God to listen with compassion to the cry of the Earth and communities most affected by environmental destruction.

“When forests disappear, rivers dry up, or floods destroy homes, both creation and human dignity are wounded,” the Bishops observe, adding that, "Protecting the Earth is not the duty of some institutions but a task for families, schools, churches, and local communities working together."

The Chairman of the KCCB's Catholic Justice and Peace Department, on behalf of the Bishops, emphasised that the national transformation which Kenyans long for must begin with the conversion of individual hearts.

"We are invited to slow down, listen deeply to God's word, and allow His gentle call to shape our inner lives."