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News #229 - Kenya
January 22, 2003
Political change brings exciting new opportunities for Bible Society of Kenya
NAIROBI, Kenya — Staff and board members at the Bible Society of Kenya are “very excited about the changes that have taken place in the country” since Mwai Kibaki was elected President on December 27, according to Bible Society General Secretary the Rev Henry Kathii. Along with other Kenyans, they are now “very optimistic” that the new government will show a firm commitment to financial prudence, administrative transparency and economic revival. Their particular hope is that general improvements to the economic, political and social climate will create better conditions for Bible work.
Mr Kathii believes that it is possible to see “the hand of God in the whole process” by which President Daniel Arap Moi, was ousted from power by the National Alliance Rainbow Coalition (NARC), led by 71-year-old Mr Kibaki. Mr Moi’s Kenya African National Union (KANU) had become associated with poor economic management and high levels of corruption. NARC, which is made up of an alliance of 14 opposition parties known as the National Alliance Party of Kenya and a splinter group of KANU, won 125 out of the 210 parliamentary seats. Mr Kibaki himself, who is an experienced politician and is viewed as honest and a talented economist, gained 65 per cent of the presidential vote.
During the long years of single party rule, the Bible Society enjoyed strong support from the churches, which were the only voice for change in Kenya, and from individuals. According to Mr Kathii, however, the Society “found it increasingly difficult to translate that goodwill into meaningful financial support” as people’s disposable income dropped. Further problems arose because of corruption, which hampered the Society in importing Scriptures and dealing with government departments. It is anticipating that the situation will now improve, given that “optimism and the general outlook are so high”. During this time of transition, the Society is calling for support in prayer from the United Bible Societies fellowship as it “looks forward to a more favourable opportunity to serve the Church in Kenya in fulfilling its mission”. (346 words - KENYA.22.1.03)For further information please contact Andrew Mathewson, UBS Editor.
Alternatively, write to:
Andrew Mathewson
UBS Editor,
UBS World Service Center
Reading Bridge House, 7th Floor
Reading
RG1 8PJ
England