By Rose Achiego Ande
In the face of dwindling international donor support, the Catholic Diocese of Kakamega has taken bold and innovative steps toward achieving self-reliance and long-term sustainability. Bishop Joseph Obanyi Sagwe, speaking candidly during a recent diocesan engagement, underscored the urgency of financial independence as global funding streams from traditional church partners continue to shrink.
“The discourse on self-reliance and sustainability has become critical, especially as support from abroad is no longer guaranteed,” Bishop Obanyi noted. He referenced the dwindling aid from countries like the United States and Italy, where even Rome has communicated its struggle to sustain international support. This reality has prompted the Diocese to ask hard questions about its future: Do we close down churches? Or do we innovate and adapt?
In response, the Diocese of Kakamega has embarked on a strategic journey toward economic empowerment through investment. A prime example of this initiative is the Cathedral Mall, a diocesan commercial project located along a major highway in the heart of Kakamega town. Now in its second year of operation, the mall was envisioned as a long-term income-generating project to support the Church’s mission and reduce dependency on external funding.
“This was not just about today; it’s about the future generations. We may not see the full benefits in our lifetime, but our children and the Church of tomorrow will,” said Bishop Obanyi. He emphasized that the vision was inspired by lessons learned from other global dioceses, particularly in Europe, where strong investments have allowed churches to remain operational despite a decline in religious participation.
The Cathedral Mall is currently at 62% occupancy, with anchor tenants such as Nivas Supermarket, Mika Accessories, and Samsung already operational. While political protests and economic uncertainties have posed challenges to full occupancy, the Bishop remains optimistic. “Yes, there have been disruptions, but we’re growing. It’s better to have something that can improve than nothing at all.”
The project is also influencing a broader cultural shift within the Diocese. Bishop Obanyi lauded parish groups, especially women, for initiating small income-generating activities such as catering and tent hiring. He encouraged them to build on these initiatives and scale up, always guided by Catholic social teaching to avoid becoming “too secular.”
Looking forward, the Diocese is inviting more investors to take advantage of the unique business space at Cathedral Mall. “We are calling upon serious investors. This is a first-of-its-kind facility in Western Kenya. It is secure, strategically located, and ideal for businesses looking to tap into a growing urban market,” he said.
Despite economic turbulence, the Kakamega Diocese’s commitment to sustainability and resilience remains steadfast. Through strategic investments and grassroots empowerment, the Diocese is demonstrating that faith and financial foresight can go hand in hand in securing the Church’s future.
