Military Ordinariate of Kenya


The Military Ordinariate of Kenya is a military ordinariate of the Roman Catholic Church. Immediately subject to the Holy See, it provides pastoral care to Roman Catholics serving in the Kenyan Armed Forces and their families.

History

When Kenya became independent in 1963, the Government of the Republic of Kenya adopted the British tradition of having Chaplaincy in the Kenya Defence Forces which is composed of the Kenya Army, the Kenya Air Force and the Kenya Navy. The chaplaincy was entrusted with the responsibility of religious administration of the Kenya Defence Forces Personnel, their families and dependants.
The Military Ordinariate of Kenya was established as a Military Vicariate on 20th January, 1964 and the Late Maurice Michael Cardinal Otunga was appointed the first Military Vicar on the same date. On 24th July 1981, His holiness Pope John Paul II Late Maurice Michael Cardinal Otunga became the first Ordinary of the Military Ordinariate of Kenya.
Although the Military Vicariate existed since 20th January, 1964, it was not registered with Government of Kenya till 15th December 1986 after its elevation to a Military Ordinariate on 21st July 1986. The late Maurice Michael Cardinal Otunga served the Military Ordinariate as an Ordinary up to 29th August, 1997. Col Bishop Alfred Kipkoech Arap Rotich was appointed as the Military Ordinariate of Kenya Bishop on 29th August, 1997 and served up to 30th December 2016. Col Dr Benjamin K Maswili was appointed the Apostolic Administrator of the Military Ordinariate of Kenya on 30th December, 2016.
The Military Ordinariate has grown over the years from Vicariate to Ordinariate. The number of Chaplains and Catechist has increased and thus spiritual and Pastoral care growth.

Office holders

Military Vicars