TRANSFORMATION TO A DESIRED KENYA

JOINT MESSAGES FROM THE FAITH COMMUNITIES

ON NATIONAL VALUES AND PRINCIPLES

May, 2015

PREAMBLE
Since Kenya attained her independence in 1963, remarkable achievements have been
attained in democratisation and economic growth. However, some key issues of nationbuilding and nationhood remain largely unresolved. Perhaps the greatest of all these
problems is integrating our diverse ethnic groups into a national fabric that places equal
dignity, JUSTICE, and opportunity for all Kenyans.
As religious leaders, we have continued to guide, encourage and caution our fellow citizens
and leaders on the need for a genuinely united nation anchored on a strong spiritual and
moral foundation.
In furthering our divine and spiritual role in society, we started a national Social
transformationcampaign in November, 2014. The initiative seeksto mobilise our moral and
spiritual resources to catalyse public discourse on the underlying causes and possible
solutions to the prevailing spiritual, social, political and economic challenges facing our
nation. The overall goal of the campaign is to contribute to the adoption of a set of values
byKenyans for social harmony, economic development and general wellbeing.
Under the able coordination of the Inter-Religious Council of Kenyasecretariat, we delegated
the task of defining a popular set of values that embodies the spirit of our beloved nation
of Kenya to a panel of experienced theologians drawn from the main faith communities in
Kenya. The team drafted five values,which were canvassed by a wide range of religious
leadersdrawn from the countrys eight regions.We are pleased to confirm that the five
values of sacrifice and contribution for the common good; sharing and cooperation; working
and growing together; stewardship; and shared humanity,not only speak to the beliefs and
practices we hold in common but also resonates with the values and principles outlined in
Article 10 of the Constitution.
Our vision of a transformed Kenya
The National Anthem and the Constitution of Kenya acknowledge the supremacy of the
Almighty God of all creation. We are convinced that a unified nation that is economically
progressive, politically stable and morally upright is feasible if each and every citizen and
all stakeholders fulfill their individual and collective obligations in honour and TO THE glory
of God.
Kenya has had a checkered history characterised by long periods of peace and sense of
hope, but marred by interludes of conflicts, despair and death. Our vision of the Kenya we
want is a nation whose men and women will readily choose peace over violence, service
to the nation over apathy, good over evil, AND RULE OF LAW OVER ANARCHY, all in the
building of a peaceful, cohesive and just society.
Our commitment and role in transforming Kenya
We acknowledge our contribution and that of our predecessors in building the nation that
we have today. We have continued to dispense our responsibilities as spiritual and moral
custodians within our various congregations and at the national front. We have and shall
continueto use our position in society to convene and counsel our fellow citizens and leaders
at times of joy and give hope during periods of hardship and despair. In addition to our
divine and prophetic responsibilities, we acknowledgeour responsibility as watchdogsfor our
nations political, social and economic destiny. We can see that the role of religious leaders

in the clamour for democratisation and subsequent calls for constitutional reforms in the
1990s has begun to bear fruits. We are currently monitoring the implementation processes
of the Constitution. We remain active advocates for spiritual, social, political and economic
wellbeing. We continue to provide guidance, aid and comfort for our fellow citizens in need,
our institutions and social ministries. Through these organisations, we shall continue to
complement the national efforts in providing services like education, health and water to
millions throughout the country.
Despite the aforementioned successes, we are alive to the contemporary challenges facing
religious institutions. We commit ourselves to strengthen our institutions and build capacity
of religious leaders to overcome these challenges. We are committed to our valid role and
that our faith communities and recommit ourselves to the making of a desired Kenya
Our appeal to all Kenyans
The path to the Kenya we all wish to live in will definitely be difficult and challenging. However
those challenges are surmountable if we seek favour from God and embrace positive values.
As such we must all join hands as we look for lasting and tenable mechanisms to attaining
this shared vision. We caution our followfellow citizens that the end of this journey will not be
achievable unless we work hard and transform ourselves and our communities.
As the leaders of the main faith communities in Kenya, we take lead in exercising our divine
mandate to protect the wellbeing of the individual, the family, communities and the nation.
We appeal to all Kenyans to abide by the following values:

V
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V
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1. SACRIFICE AND CONTRIBUTION

FOR THE COMMON GOOD AND

DESIRED FUTURE

The people of Kenya

are diversified yet
unified
The common good is a dynamic concept.As the social conditions change and moral
awareness grows, the common good evolves as well.
The common good consists of three essential elements:
(i) Respect for and promotion of fundamental rights of the person;
(ii) Prosperity or development of the societys spiritual and temporal goods; and
(iii) The peace and security of the group and of its members.
Therefore, in seeking to make each other better, all Kenyans must be prepared to sacrifice
and make a personal contribution for our individual and collective growth for realisation of
the common good.
Key messages
1.

2.
3.
4.

True patriotism is the evidence of a well-developed national consciousness and

commitment to the ideals of our country
Nationalism is built through patriotism, discipline and self-sacrifice
The people of Kenya are diversified yet unified.
Our unity in diversity is a harnessed resource in nation building.

2. SHARING AND COOPERATION

Interdependence
must be transformed
into solidarity
As a people and in our regions, God has endowed us differently. We, therefore,are encouraged
to share all gifts and graces from Godbecause they come to us freely. Cooperation involves
solidarity, a bond which calls for reciprocity, complementarity, interdependence and active
participation.Interdependence must be transformed into solidarity.
Devolution of powerand resources should, therefore, be a tool for promoting ownership of
the governance processes through active and effective participation.
We believe that in promoting cooperation, national unity, social justice, non-discrimination
and protecting the marginalised we shall harness our diversity into our strength as a nation.
Key messages

1. Democracy is the rule of the people for the people and by the people.
2. In a democratic government, the citizens are the principals while the elected
representatives are their agents acting on their behalf.
3. Sharing and devolution of power is a basic component of democratic leadership.

3. WORKING AND

GROWING TOGETHER

Integral growth and

development is a fruit
of pulling together
Work is fundamental to the dignity of a person. It anoints and fills us with dignity and makes
us similar to God. Work gives us ability to maintain ourselves, our family, and to contribute
to the growth of our own nation.
We should constantly remind ourselves of our noble duty of building a nation that is free
from poverty;where resources are shared equally and fairly. In order to achieve this vision,
we must focus more on baking and not merely sharing the national cake. A thriving nation
is anchored on a citizenry that is God-fearing, hardworking, honest and creative for the
purpose of growing together.
Key messages
1. Integral national and regional growth and development is a fruit of us pulling together.
2. All talents should be nurtured to thrive for us to grow together. Good management of our
natural resources and investments are vital in sustainable development.
3. Work dignifies the whole person. It should bring glory to God and benefit to the
neighbour.
4. We should not only be eaters of bread but bakers too.

4. STEWARDSHIP

Inculcate a culture of dialogue

and responsibility in humanity
for harmonious existence
We firmly believe thatGods given life, talents and responsibilitiesshould be managed in His
honour.We also believe in the family as the basic unit of life. We call for the safeguarding
of the rights of parents to procreation and education of their children in the family. Faith
communities also champion for welfare legislation and provision of various kinds of
protection and assistance to those who unfortunately have been deprived of the benefits
of family life.
Key messages
1.

2.

3.

Inculcate a culture of dialogue and responsibility within families and our institutions fora
harmonious existence.
As managers of Gods creation, we are accountable to God and our fellow Kenyans for
our actions and choices without exception.
Truth and honesty is the fundamental basis of leadership.

5. SHARED HUMANITY

Service to humanity
glorifies God
Human life is sacred and the value of people should not be based on what we do, where we
come from, or political/religious affiliation.
Key messages
1. Do unto me as you would wish me to do unto you.
2. You glorify and honour God by serving your fellow human being.
3. Respect the rule of law for harmonious co-existence.

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