Forum on the reEvolution of the Works of Mercy spazio + spadoni lands in Kenya
A concrete contribution to the speech of the President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba
Young Kenyans are well-intentioned and want profound change in the country,” says Maurice Muhatia Makumba, Archbishop of Kisumu, President of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), who gave an interview to Fides Agency.
The recent protests that led President William Ruto to withdraw the finance bill and make a government reshuffle were animated by the so-called Generation Z. How do you see these developments?
Young Kenyans, very vibrant and energetic, want to change the country for the better. This fact in itself is a positive challenge for all of us. What training can we give to young people so thirsty for justice? The changes that the new generations demand are driven by values, the fear of God and caring for one another. So our Bishops’ Conference is gearing up to provide training for young people to be able to carry out these changes and lead the country.
In concrete terms, what does this mean?
As an Episcopal Conference, we take the issues of the new generations very seriously. At the ecclesial level in the first place, we deal with young people not as one group but according to their age. Children are taken care of by the Pontifical Work of the Holy Childhood, while adolescents and young people have several Catholic groups available to form. So we have a plurality of groups in which young people can form themselves according to their age in order to progress in the faith.
In your opinion, will it be possible for leaders to emerge from Generation Z who will have the common good at heart?
Yes because the way these young people approach social issues is correctly based on the values of solidarity. We will have better leadership tomorrow in Kenya and Africa, especially through good preparation and training. Because young people have good intentions.
So will Kenyan youth be able to set an example for their peers in other African countries?
Definitely but let me insist on training. Other African countries will be able to take inspiration from our country, but they will have to provide their youth with adequate training to lead positive change in society.
Finally, how is the Church in Kenya experiencing this phase?
The Church in Kenya is increasingly vibrant, we have more and more people passing on the faith, religious marriages are on the rise, as are priestly and religious vocations. We pray now that this spirit of renewal that prevails among young Kenyans will bear positive fruit for the Church and the country.
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