THE LAUNCH
On 9th November 2024, the Catholic Diocese of Kitale marked its silver jubilee with a vibrant celebration at St. Joseph’s Pavilion. The event, commemorating 25 years of the diocese, was graced by His Grace, Most Rev. Maurice Muhatia, Archbishop of Kisumu. During the occasion, His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Henry Juma Odonya, Bishop of Kitale, unveiled an ambitious project: the construction of a modern pastoral center. This project, named St. Joseph’s Pastoral Centre, represents a significant milestone in the diocese’s roadmap for growth. A dedicated team was commissioned to ensure the vision and objectives of this initiative are effectively communicated to parishioners throughout the diocese.
The pastoral center is envisioned as a cornerstone for the diocese’s future, contributing to income generation, spiritual development, social support, and sustainable resources. Bishop Odonya emphasized that the project aligns with the diocesan strategic plan for 2024–2029, which is anchored on three key pillars:
- Growing Faith
- Integral Human Development
- Resource Mobilization
The ceremony was attended by a distinguished gathering of Bishops from the Kisumu Metropolitan, including Rt. Rev. Mark Kadima of the Diocese of Bungoma, Rt. Rev. John Kiplimo Lelei, Auxiliary Bishop of Eldoret Diocese, and Rt. Rev. Maurice Anthony Crowley, Bishop Emeritus of Kitale Diocese.
THE GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY
The groundbreaking ceremony for the notable St. Joseph’s Pastoral Centre took place on 21st November 2024. The event was officiated by His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Henry Juma Odonya, and marked a significant milestone in the progress and development of the diocese. The center is strategically located adjacent to St. Joseph’s Parish Church.
This momentous occasion brought together key stakeholders, including Bishop Emeritus Maurice Anthony Crowley, the Vicar General Very Rev. Fr. Micah Kibet, the Diocesan Secretary Rev. Fr. James Oranga, Pastoral Coordinator Rev. Fr. James Ndombi, St. Joseph’s Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Peter Nyamache, as well as other priests from across the diocese, members of the lay council, finance council, parish executives, the Chief Architect Mr. Julius Matasio, and the lead contractor, Eng. Eric Ouma of Ericom Building and Contractors Limited.
The construction site, along with a newly acquired tipper to be utilized during the project, was dedicated and blessed during the ceremony. In his address, Bishop Odonya described the initiative as “a work of everyone and for everyone,” emphasizing that the project fully integrates the mission of the Church. He highlighted the importance of creating spaces for meeting, gathering, and sharing to address the solitude experienced by many, while also fulfilling the Gospel’s mission and the message of Christ.
Bishop Emeritus Crowley hailed the project as a remarkable milestone, combining social and spiritual dimensions, and addressing a long-standing need within the diocese.
The construction, valued at an estimated 410 million shillings, is projected to be completed within seven years. The project will be entirely funded by the Church and contributions from well-wishers.
THE PHASES OF THE PROJECT
The proposed pastoral center is planned to unfold over seven years, subject to the availability of funds, with an estimated total project cost of Ksh. 410 million. The construction will take place in phases, ensuring the project can be implemented systematically.
Phase I
The initial phase focuses on creating essential facilities, blending functionality and comfort. It includes:
- Visitors’ car drop-off area, reception, lift and staircase spaces.
- 63 standard rooms, temporary kitchen and dining facilities, laundry and drying areas, ironing room, and a linen store.
- Two seminar rooms, two boardrooms, a chapel, and a sanitation area.
- A housekeepers’ office to streamline operations.
- This phase is projected to cost Ksh. 150 million.
Phase II
Phase II introduces more advanced amenities to enhance the centre’s capacity.
- A visitors’ car drop-off area, an entrance hall, reception, and administration offices.
- An auditorium with a capacity of 200–250 people, VIP waiting room, three seminar rooms (40–60 pax), and two boardrooms.
- Three dining halls of varying capacities, common sanitation areas, and a kitchen with supporting zones.
- An ICT & CCTV room, equipment store, housekeepers’ office, staff canteen, and vertical circulation areas like lifts, ramps, and staircases.
- Estimated at Ksh. 160 million.
Phase III
The final phase focuses on luxury and leisure amenities to crown the project.
- 33 additional standard rooms, three executive suites, and eight cottages, bringing the total accommodation capacity to 107 rooms.
- A swimming pool, gym, sauna, and cafeteria to cater to wellness and relaxation needs.
- This phase is estimated at Ksh. 100 million.
THE FINANCIAL APPEAL
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kitale, Rt. Rev. Henry Juma Odonya, has made an earnest appeal to the faithful, friends of the Diocese, and all people of goodwill to support the noble vision of the St. Joseph Pastoral Centre. This transformative project aims to create a hub for spiritual, administrative, and community services, with completion planned within the next seven years.
In his appeal, Bishop Odonya emphasized the importance of collective effort in bringing this vision to fruition.
To contribute towards this worthy cause, donations can be made through FAMILY BANK using the following details:
- PAYBILL NUMBER: 222111
- ACCOUNT NUMBER: 001998
Once a payment is made, you will receive a confirmation message from Family Bank stating:
‘Confirmed. Payment of Ksh… to THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF KITALE PASTORAL CENTRE PROJECT [001998] has been received. Ref. SKFI…H4AD on [Date and Time].’
The Bishop expressed heartfelt gratitude for every contribution, no matter the size, and assured the faithful that their generosity would pave the way for the successful realization of this ambitious project.
Thank you for your support. Together, we can build a centre that embodies faith, service, and unity.