The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has urged Kenyans, especially young people, to register as voters and participate actively in shaping the country’s future ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a statement released on November 13, 2025, titled “Building a Kenya of Hope and Justice: Our Civic Duty,” the bishops said civic engagement is crucial for fostering a just, peaceful, and prosperous nation.
“Every young person's vote is a voice of hope for a more accountable, inclusive, and compassionate Nation,” the statement read, urging all eligible citizens to ensure they have identity cards and are registered to vote.
The bishops highlighted positive developments across the country, including the Teachers Service Commission’s recruitment of 24,000 new teachers, the stabilization of the Kenyan shilling, and ongoing investments in infrastructure such as roads and TVET colleges.
They encouraged young people to make use of these opportunities to acquire skills that will prepare them for the job market.
The bishops also expressed concern about recently enacted laws, including the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act and the Land Amendment Act No. 21 of 2025.
They said the legislation was hurriedly passed with limited public input and warned that some provisions could be misused to “silence government critics, to abuse the right to privacy, or even to manipulate the electoral process.” They called for revisions to ensure the laws protect citizens’ rights rather than undermine them.
Education and healthcare also featured prominently in the bishops’ statement. They decried teacher shortages in rural areas, delays in school funding, and disputes over syllabi, calling for clear guidance and equity in distribution of resources.
On healthcare, they expressed alarm over delayed payments under the Social Health Authority (SHA) scheme, saying, “Many Faith-based Hospitals are on the brink of closing due to unpaid claims,” and urged the government to act quickly to resolve the backlog.
Corruption remains a major concern, according to the bishops. They warned that graft is “deeply embedded in government systems, crippling service delivery and undermining national growth,” and called on leaders and citizens alike to reject unethical practices and uphold integrity.
They also called for prayer, particularly in the Jubilee Year of Hope. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10), the bishops said.
