Most Rev. Zacchaeus Okoth

The foundations of the Archdiocese of Kisumu dates back to 1903 with the arrival of the First Mill Hill missionaries in Western Kenya. The Diocese of Kisumu assumed its administrative status on July 17, 1925 with the erection of the Vicariate of the Upper Nile which covered Eastern Uganda, which later became a Prefecture Apostolic of Kavirondo on May 27, 1932 and Vicariate Apostolic of Kisumu on May 25, 1953. On June 9, 1953 the Diocese of Kisumu was formally created, covering an expansive area including parts Nakuru and Ngong dioceses.

The Diocese of Kisumu was elevated to a Metropolitan see on May 21,1990. Since then, the Archdiocese has witnessed tremendous growth in terms of faith and other social developments within and in its seven Suffragan Dioceses, which include Bungoma, Eldoret, Homa Bay, Kakamega, Kisii, Kitale and Lodwar.

Currently in the whole Metropolis there are about 2,649 primary schools, 700 secondary schools, 40 middle level colleges, polytechnics and other institutions sponsored by the Church. These institutions are currently offering artesian courses. The Metropolitan See also has approximately 320 hospitals and dispensaries serving its population which is about 18 million people.

The See of Kisumu itself hosts a larger share of these institutions. Currently there are 250 secondary schools, 1,020 primary schools, 53 hospitals and dispensaries, 15 polytechnics, 20 Special Education centres including small homes for the disabled.

Due to his wise counsel to politicians, Archbishop Okoth earned a seat at the 14-member Building Bridges to Unity Advisory Task Force, which is handling the nine-point peace agenda of the March 9, 2018 handshake of President Uhuru Kenyatta and Opposition Leader Raila Odinga. The agenda includes addressing ethnic antagonism and competition; lack of national ethos; inclusivity; devolution; safety; security and fight against corruption.

His inclusion in the Unity Advisory Task Force team was likely driven by his campaign for peace during the national Prayer Day on October 6, 2017 at the Village of Mary National Shrine in Subukia, Nakuru County, which was attended by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Awards