This archive report was first published on 5 October 2019.
On October 5, 2019, the Catholic Church in Kenya embarked on a significant initiative to combat corruption, launching a six-month campaign aimed at curbing the vice.
As part of the campaign, the church has banned political remarks during liturgical celebrations, a move aimed at preventing the church from being used as a political platform.
Bishop Philip Anyolo, the chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, emphasized the importance of this move, stating, "Political statements will not be allowed during the liturgical celebrations."
The church has also introduced a cashless donation system, where contributions for church projects will only be done via mobile money or cashier's cheque. This move is aimed at improving transparency and accountability by providing details of the donors.
According to the church, any gifts given to church leaders exceeding Ksh50,000 will be recorded, and the gifts must be accompanied by a cover letter from the donor.
The campaign also includes the renewal of baptismal vows for the faithful and the declaration of publicly the list and accounts of church projects and fundraising initiatives for public scrutiny.
The church's move is in line with President Uhuru Kenyatta's appeal that the church and private sector should promote the government's efforts in battling corruption.
