NAIROBI, Kenya – Church leaders across Kenya have sounded the alarm over rising living costs, corruption and escalating political tensions, warning that ordinary households and young people risk deeper exclusion unless urgent policy shifts are made in 2026.
Speaking during New Year services held in various parts of the country, clerics urged the government to rein in economic pressures, protect public institutions and steer the country away from divisive politics ahead of the 2027 General Election.
At All Saints’ Cathedral in Nairobi, Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit accused the government of pushing Kenyans to the brink through high taxes, expensive credit, rising electricity costs and what he termed excessive borrowing.
“While some indicators appear stable, many households are under severe pressure. High taxation, high interest rates, the cost of electricity and relentless borrowing are squeezing families and businesses alike,” Ole Sapit said, adding that corruption continues to erode the country’s economic foundation.
The archbishop also warned of what he described as a weakening of constitutional order, cautioning that sidelining oversight institutions and bypassing legal safeguards posed a direct risk to the nation.
“Refusing to normalise the weakening of our institutions is not optional. When constitutional safeguards are bypassed and public finance is moved outside legal control, the nation is put at risk,” he said.
With less than two years to the next General Election, Ole Sapit cautioned that Kenya was entering a dangerous phase of political polarisation, urging unity, tolerance and meaningful engagement — particularly for young people.
“Ours is one of the youngest nations on earth, yet many of our youth feel excluded from economic opportunities, meaningful participation and national decision-making,” he said.
He also defended the independence of the church, rejecting any attempts by the state to regulate religious institutions.
“Faith must never be controlled by the state. The church stands for self-regulation, accountability and the dignity of belief,” Ole Sapit said.
At Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi, Catholic Archbishop Philip Anyolo echoed the call for peace and cohesion, urging Kenyans to reject violence and political manipulation.
“Go for peace and become peacemakers. Blessed are the peacemakers,” Anyolo told congregants.
Similar messages were delivered by church leaders in Machakos, Busia, Trans Nzoia, Kisumu and Kajiado counties, where clerics warned against inflammatory rhetoric and political exploitation of communities.
Busia Bishop Francis Maingi urged peaceful coexistence, while Kajiado Bishop Joseph Kamau cautioned leaders to weigh their words carefully.
“The New Year should be a season of renewal, not division. Words spoken by leaders carry power; they can heal or divide a nation,” Kamau said.
Education and healthcare also featured prominently in the sermons. Ole Sapit raised concerns over reports of rising school fees, warning that increased costs could lock children from poor families out of education.
“There has been talk about increased school fees, which will affect many poor families. We urge the Ministry of Education to ensure Kenyans are not burdened in this new year,” he said.
The concerns come amid debate over claims that an additional Sh9,374 had been quietly added to day school fees — allegations dismissed by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba as false and misleading.
“The Ministry of Education categorically clarifies that there has been no increase in school fees for public secondary or senior schools,” Ogamba said.
Church leaders also called for reforms in the health sector, urging authorities to ensure the Social Health Authority (SHA) delivers functional healthcare services rather than remaining a policy promise.
Beyond social services, clerics warned that delayed government payments to contractors were worsening job losses and stalling development projects.
“When contractors are not paid, workers go home without wages and the economy suffers. Paying pending bills is not a favour; it is an economic necessity,” said Bishop George Kamau of Ambassadors for Christ Fellowship Church.
He urged leaders to prioritise service delivery, peace and unity over political rivalry.
“Kenya needs leaders who unite the nation, not those who thrive on hatred and division. Politics should never come before the well-being of the people,” Kamau said.
