Catholic Social Teaching vs. the Kenya We Desire
By Ms. Teresia Muia
A recent conference at Hekima Institute of Peace Studies and International Relations in Nairobi, brought together leading figures to explore the intersection of Catholic social teaching and the vision for a better Kenya. Father Odomaro Mubangizi, S.J., of the proposed Hekima University, highlighted the Church’s crucial role in combating corruption and promoting good governance.
“The role of the Catholic Church in fighting corruption is contained in its own tradition of Catholic social teaching that promotes the common good, promotes solidarity and promotes justice and participation of all the people regardless of their faith and their creed,” Fr. Mubangizi stated. He emphasized that the Church’s commitment to the common good is central to ensuring responsible use of state resources and effective public service delivery.
Fr. Mubangizi described the Church’s extensive network, reaching from dioceses and parishes to small Christian communities, as a powerful tool for promoting accountability and transparency. He specifically pointed to the Justice and Peace departments within the Church as key players in this effort.
“The church has extensive networks within the state, right from the diocese, through the parish, through small Christian communities and through these institutions and especially the justice and peace departments that the church can promote accountability, transparency but also responsible use of the goods that the state has,” he explained. He further noted the Church’s communication departments as vital in disseminating this message of responsible governance.
The conference, organized by the Loyola Centre for Media and Communications (LCMC), served as a platform for collaboration among various stakeholders. Fr. Mubangizi expressed his optimism about the potential for this model to be replicated in other African nations struggling with similar challenges.
“This platform I think is like a perfect model that can be replicated in other countries which are facing corruption,” he said, suggesting the potential for expansion across Eastern, Southern, and Western Africa. He concluded by expressing his appreciation for the collaborative spirit demonstrated by the participating departments within the Kenyan Catholic Church, the media, and the CJPD. “I appreciate today the fact that departments within the Catholic Church in Kenya, the media and the CJPD who are present in this conference will work together in promoting the Kenya we want.”
