The 7th Session of the Kenya-Ethiopia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church was held Aug. 14-17 at the Gitoro Pastoral Centre in Meru County. Delegates, clergy and church leaders from Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda gathered under the conference theme, "Here Am I, Send Me, Lord" (Isaiah 6:8).
The four-day gathering focused on evangelism, disciple-making and preparing the church for sustainable growth and transformation in the region.
The session was officially opened by East Africa Episcopal Area Bishop Daniel Wandabula, who urged delegates to respond to God’s call with humility, commitment and readiness, echoing the prophetic message of Isaiah.
In his address, the bishop emphasized: “This theme reminds us that the call of God is not based on status or qualification. It is based on surrender, obedience and willingness to be sent by God. The Church must not only call leaders, it must send them.”
Wandabula announced the appointment of the Rev. Stanley Mwiti as the new superintendent of Isiolo District and Wallace Mugambi Munene as the new conference secretary, effective immediately.
With visible excitement, Wandabula announced the expansion of the conference from 10 to 17 districts, due to the spiritual and numerical growth experienced across the region. These include three new districts in Ethiopia and four in Kenya.
Wandabula challenged the superintendents to serve not as administrators but as shepherds, missional strategists and pastoral leaders.
Ordination and licensing
The conference ordained nine elders in full connection, received 15 probationary elders and licensed 28 pastors for ministry.
Wandabula delivered a powerful ordination sermon titled “Called, Consecrated and Commissioned.” He reminded the ordinands that their calling is not from a bishop.
“It is not earned — it is received. Before you were formed, God knew you (Jeremiah 1:5),” he said. “Ordination is not a promotion — it is a consecration. You are not being lifted up; you are being poured out.”
Drawing from Romans 12:1 and 2 Timothy 4:2, he urged the ordinands to live lives set apart in service, not status: “Preach the Word in season and out of season… . The world doesn’t need performers — it needs pastors. It needs servants.”
He called the church to walk alongside these leaders, praying for them, supporting them and lifting them up in love.
Voting on regionalization
The conference voted on constitutional amendments approved by the 2024 General Conference, including regionalization. Under the legislation, the U.S. and each central conference — church regions in Africa, Europe and the Philippines — would become regional conferences with the same authority to adapt the Book of Discipline, the denomination’s policy book, for more missional effectiveness.
To be ratified, the amendments need at least a two-thirds total vote of annual conference lay and clergy voters. The Council of Bishops expects to tally all votes and certify any amendment ratifications at its fall meeting in early November.
“Regionalization is the way forward,” Wandabula said. “It allows us to minister effectively in our context while staying united globally.”
He shared with those in attendance the benefits of regionalization:
- Empowers Africa and other regions to make context-specific decisions;
- Allows for regional Books of Discipline, hymnals and liturgical practices;
- Supports ordination standards tailored to African ministry needs;
- Promotes worship in local languages and the celebration of cultural rites;
- Decentralizes governance without over-reliance on General Conference decisions.
Global partnerships
Wandabula commended the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries for its renewed commitment to the East Africa Episcopal Area. He specifically highlighted the appointment of a missionary treasurer, the designation of the Rev. David Muwaya as liaison officer and support in health, agriculture, church revitalization and humanitarian aid.
Additionally, a one-year grant has been awarded to support district superintendents. He also expressed gratitude to all United Methodist agencies for their ongoing support and collaboration, acknowledging Global Ministries, the General Council on Finance and Administration, Discipleship Ministries and the commissions on Religion and Race and Church and Society.
“Together, we are building the Kingdom. We thank God for these partnerships that continue to uplift our mission and impact lives throughout East Africa,” he said.
As part of its strategic focus on outreach and evangelism, the conference reaffirmed the importance of media ministry. Particular attention was given to the radio ministry based in Mombasa District, which has shown great promise in reaching coastal communities.
“We envision expanding this radio ministry across more regions of Kenya,” said Wandabula. “We look forward to working closely with our partners at United Methodist Communications to make this dream a reality.”
Vision of sustainability
Wandabula reminded all delegates that the goal is not dependency but sustainability. The vision includes:
- Self-propagating: Planting new churches and reaching new people.
- Self-governing: Equipping accountable and spirit-filled leaders.
- Self-supporting: Raising local resources to support local mission
“This movement is not sustained by funding but by faith and leadership,” he said. “Let us be a church that stands, serves and thrives.”
Conference highlights
The Rev. Paul Matheri, dean of superintendents, offered updates on church health and future direction, encouraging faithfulness in both urban and rural contexts.
The Rev. David Muwaya gave a progress report on the Yambasu Agriculture Initiative, which was praised for transparency and effective local impact.
In his call for global prayer, Bishop Wandabula expressed concern over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and Russia, condemning destruction and calling for reconciliation.
“This world needs servants of God listeners, not bosses. Let us pray for peace across nations and work for healing where there is pain,” he said.
The conference adopted a new budget of Kshs. 81,000,000 (approx. $632,812.50 USD) — nearly double last year’s figure, reflecting bold confidence in ministry growth.
Church statistics
Membership: 19,576 (up from 17,795)
Worship attendance: 18,985 (up from 16,995)
Adults and young adults in small groups: 8,829 (a growing number)
This data reflects a church that is more engaged, more involved and growing spiritually.
Looking ahead
The conference celebrated the creation of new episcopal areas in Burundi and Rwanda and the launch of the East Africa Central Conference. Delegates were encouraged to pray for these historic milestones and support the process of regional strengthening.
As the conference concluded, Wandabula offered a final word of encouragement and unity:
“Through regionalization, we celebrate unity as United Methodists, while honoring our diversity. We are one church — globally united in faith and mission. May we continue to respond, with courage and conviction, to God’s call: ‘Here am I, send me.’”
—The Rev. Bernard Amani Mudiri, conference communications director, Kenya-Ethiopia Annual Conference