Church at the Cutting Edge: Social and Pastoral Work in Marginalized Areas

The Diocese of Malindi was founded in 2000 from parts of the Archdiocese of Mombasa and the Diocese of Garissa in order to bring the administration of the church and pastoral care closer to the scattered communities of the northern coast of Kenya and to the arid and semi-arid areas of the administrative districts of Tana River and Lamu. These regions have a weak infrastructure; nomadic lifestyles and a low regard for education characterize the social environment. The church is responding to this with educational, health and social projects, which are intended to empower young people and women in particular. 

The pastoral work of the diocese is characterized by two focal points: "first evangelization" – i.e. the initial proclamation of the Gospel – and dialogue with Islam, which is widespread in the area in question. 

The diocesan bishop of Malindi, Willybard Kitogho Lagho, is a proven expert in Christian-Islamic dialog and has been closely associated with KAAD for many years. In his previous position as Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Mombasa, he was already in close contact with KAAD alumni and alumnae and accompanied a seminar of the KASEA (KAAD Association of Scholars from East Africa). Against this backdrop, he invites the scholars to get to know the pastoral and social work of his diocese.

This alumni seminar focuses on regional development issues: the coastal region's dependence on fishing, tourism and agriculture, the challenges of poverty, unemployment and overuse of resources, and the pastoral response of the church. In the more northern areas, the focus is on water and hygiene measures, emergency aid and conflict prevention due to recurring droughts.

The program includes presentations, visits to projects and parishes, church services with Bishop Lagho and excursions to places on the coast off Malindi.