NAIROBI — More than 140 Catholic bishops from across Eastern Africa gathered in Nairobi for the 21st Plenary Assembly of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA), with young people and their role in the life of the Church at the centre of the week-long meeting. 

Held at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa from July 18-26, the assembly brought together bishops, youth representatives, government officials and development partners under the theme, “AMECEA’s Synodal Journey with Young People: Building Bridges of Communion, Hope, Justice and Good Governance.” 

The Commission was represented at the assembly by Regional Expert Patience Mwangi, whose participation reflected the importance of safeguarding within the Church’s wider commitment to accompanying young people across Africa. 

The official opening Mass took place July 19. The gathering marked 65 years of regional pastoral collaboration within AMECEA and sought to deepen dialogue with young people and strengthen their participation in the Church’s pastoral life and mission. 

Archbishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba, chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, described the assembly as an opportunity for the Church to strengthen its commitment to accompanying young people through dialogue, participation and shared responsibility. 

Bishop Charles Sampa Kasonde of Solwezi, Zambia, then chairman of AMECEA, likewise encouraged the Church to build communities in which young people are recognised as active partners in evangelisation and as agents of hope in both the Church and wider society. 

The plenary addressed a range of issues affecting young people across the region, including economic inclusion, digital evangelisation, mental health, vocations, good governance and safeguarding. 

The Commission’s Regional Expert for Africa, Brother Fortune Chakasara, said the prominence given to safeguarding reflected a wider shift in Church leadership across the region: “Abuse and protection has become a central and non-negotiable agenda for Church leadership in Eastern Africa because safeguarding the dignity, safety and wellbeing of every child and vulnerable person is fundamental to the Church’s mission”. 

“The Church cannot credibly proclaim the Gospel while failing to protect those entrusted to its care. Strong safeguarding systems, accountable leadership, prevention, reporting and a culture of listening are therefore not merely institutional requirements, they are a moral and pastoral responsibility.” – Brother Fortune Chakasara 

The inclusion of safeguarding within the plenary’s discussions reinforced the connection between meaningful accompaniment and the creation of Church environments grounded in protection, trust and accountability. 

The opening events also highlighted cooperation between the Church and public institutions. Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, representing President William Ruto, joined Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, diplomats and other guests at the gathering. Their participation underscored the Church’s wider contribution to peace, ethical leadership and human development in the region. 

As participants considered pastoral priorities for the coming years, the assembly placed the experiences and aspirations of young people at the heart of its discussions. 

The participation of Brother Fortune and Sister Anna Teresa also underscored the Commission’s commitment to supporting safeguarding efforts within local Churches and to ensuring that protection remains integral to the Church’s pastoral engagement with children and young people.