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Our History
From the first proclamation of the Gospel in 1939 to a Diocese of 37 parishes serving the whole of Kitui County.
From mission station to Diocese
1939
The Gospel reaches Kitui
The Gospel was first proclaimed in Kitui by the Holy Ghost Fathers from Kabaa, Machakos. The Consolata Missionaries later opened Kimangao Parish and evangelized the northern region of the Diocese.
1945
First mission station at Mutune
The first mission station was established at Mutune, laying the foundation for the growth and development of the local Church.
1956
Apostolic Prefecture
In October 1956 Kitui was established as an Apostolic Prefecture and entrusted to the St. Patrick’s Missionary Society.
1963
Elevated to a Diocese
On 16th November 1963 Kitui became a Diocese, with Bishop William Dunne as its first Bishop.
1974
First diocesan priests
On 8th December 1974 the Diocese celebrated the ordination of its first diocesan priests, Fr. Peter Muema and the late Archbishop Boniface Lele.
1996
Bishop Boniface Lele
Archbishop Boniface Lele became the second Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kitui, serving from 2nd February 1996 until 2005, when he was appointed Archbishop of Mombasa. Following his transfer, the Diocese was administered by Fr. Paul Healy until May 2007, when Most Rev. Martin Kivuva was appointed Apostolic Administrator.
2008
Bishop Anthony Muheria
Most Rev. Anthony Muheria became the third Bishop of Kitui and was installed on 9th August 2008. He served the Diocese until 2017, when he was appointed Archbishop of Nyeri, and continued as Apostolic Administrator until 29th August 2020.
2020
Bishop Joseph Mwongela
Appointed on 17th March 2020 and installed on 29th August 2020, Rt. Rev. Joseph Mwongela was the fourth Bishop of Kitui. On 4th January 2026 His Holiness Pope Leo XIV appointed him Coadjutor Bishop of Machakos; he was received there on 19th March 2026 at Kenyatta Stadium and served as Apostolic Administrator of Kitui until 8th August 2026.
2026
Bishop John Mbua Mwandi
On 27th May 2026 Pope Leo XIV appointed Rt. Rev. John Mbua Mwandi, then Vicar General of the Diocese and Father in Charge of Mulutu Parish, as the fifth Bishop of Kitui. He was ordained and installed on 8th August 2026 at St. Charles Lwanga Senior School, Kitui, by Most Rev. Philip Anyolo, succeeding Rt. Rev. Joseph Mwongela.
The Diocese today
The Catholic Diocese of Kitui covers the entire Kitui County and forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Nairobi. It lies in the arid and semi-arid region of Eastern Kenya.
Area
Approx. 30,496.4 km²
Catholic population
Approx. 271,393 faithful
Parishes
37 in six deaneries
Diocesan priests
112
Deacons
10
Seminarians
70
The six deaneries are Northern (5 parishes), Western (9), Central (7), Southern (5), Yatta (4) and Eastern (7). Two missionary priests of the Holy Ghost Fathers serve at Kamuw’ongo Parish and one Jesuit priest serves at Nyumbani Village.
The Diocese is further enriched by several Congregations of Religious Brothers and Sisters who contribute to the mission of the Church through pastoral ministry, education, healthcare, evangelization and social outreach. It is also blessed with its own Diocesan Religious Congregation, the Daughters of Jesus the Good Shepherd (DOJGS), whose members continue to make a significant contribution to the mission of the local Church.
Through the Bishop’s Office and its departments, including Pastoral, Education, Health, Finance, Caritas and Vocations, the Diocese continues to proclaim the Gospel and promote the holistic development of the people of God. In collaboration with priests, religious men and women, and the lay faithful, the Diocese remains committed to building a vibrant local Church rooted in faith, communion, service, and the mission of Christ.
Our Vision
To be a Christ-centred and Christ-modelled community.
Our Mission
To bring about the Kingdom of God through advocating for peaceful coexistence, evangelization, charity and works of mercy.
Our Core Values
The Diocese of Kitui believes in the following core values and seeks to live and promote them in all aspects of her life.
Love for God, love of neighbour
Dignity
We are guided and live by Christian values that always promote the life and dignity of the human person in all circumstances.
Equity
We believe everyone deserves a dignified life and fair access to justice and opportunities; this includes caring for the poor and vulnerable members of our community.
Solidarity, community and participation
Call to family
We believe that family is the first step towards creating a strong church, and it should be prioritized.
Faithfulness, peace and forgiveness
Honesty, integrity and responsible stewardship
Care for the environment
In all our actions, we strive to protect the environment and seek an optimal balance between human and environmental wellbeing.