National Council of Churches of Kenya

The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), (in Swahili, Baraza kuu la makanisa nchini Kenya) is a fellowship of Protestant churches and Christian organisations registered in Kenya. It is currently Chaired by P.C.E.A's Rev. Dr. Elias Otieno Agola. Its motto is "For Wananchi" which means "for citizens" (Wananchi meaning citizens in Swahili): This motto has been exemplified in NCCK's long involvement in public service, advocacy, and social responsibility in Kenya. It is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Councils and Churches in the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa.

The NCCK was nominated for the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize

Governance of the Council

As defined by the NCCK Constitution, the supreme body of NCCK is the General Assembly (GA), which meets once every three years, which has an executive committee which meets biannually. This committee has two sub-committees, namely, the Programme Committee, and the Finance and Administration committee. These committees meet regularly throughout the year, and work closely with the management team. The day-to-day operation of the council is the responsibility of management team under the leadership of the General Secretary who is also the chief executive officer of the council.

Management Team

Facilities

The council's headquarters are located at the Jumuia Place, Lenana Road, Nairobi. This facility also serves as the Nairobi region offices. NCCK maintains nine regional offices throughout Kenya as well as four conference or retreat centers namely:

Jumuia Guest House, Kisumu
Jumuia Conference and Country Home, Limuru
Jumuia Conference and Beach Resort, Kanamai
Jumuia Guest House, Nakuru

History of NCCK

Established in 1913, it has been a key player in mobilizing Kenyans in various political, economic, and social issues. As such, NCCK's story is intricately intertwined with Kenya's national historical narrative.

1844- Dr. Johann Ludwig Krapf, a German and the first missionary arrives in what would later become Kenya and starts work on the Coast. He is soon followed by other missionaries including Johannes Rebmann who establish several mission stations around the country.
1908- By now several issues face the missionaries who have greatly increased in number, including the need for commonality in the names referencing God in the different local languages and dialects. Two mission conferences are held that year in Kijabe and Maseno.
1909- Another conference is held in Kijabe, which paves the way for the formation of NCCK. A key resolution is made: "This Conference regards the development, organisation and establishment of a united self-governing, self-supporting and self-extending Native Church as the ideal in our Missionary Work."
1913- The first United Missionary Conference is held in June, in Thogoto, Kikuyu, Kenya, which nine missionary groups attend. A constitution proposing the formation of the Federation of Missions is discussed, and four missionary groups sign it. NCCK is born.
1918- At the second United Missionary Conference, the name of the organization is changed to Alliance of Protestant Missions.
1924- The membership is expanded beyond the original four members and the goals of the organization changed to be more representative od missionary activities and include African issues on health, education and rehabilitation of former soldiers. A new body called the Kenya Missionary Council is formed.
1943- As the country inches towards independence, there is need to broaden the membership to accommodate non-missionary Christian bodies. The objectives change once again, and the organization is then called Christian Council of Kenya (CCK).
1964- Independence is won. To reflect the new state of affairs, in 1966 the organization re-brands to National Christian Council of Kenya.
1984- The name of the organisation is changed to National Council of Churches of Kenya to reflect the fact that membership to the organisation is by churches and not individual Christians.

Membership

NCCK has 50 member churches and organizations, who seek to facilitate the attainment of a united, just, peaceful and sustainable society. That is; 32 Member Churches, 13 Associate Members and 6 Fraternal Associate Members. These are:

Full Members

Africa Brotherhood Church African Christian Churches and Schools African Church of the Holy Spirit Africa Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa African Interior Church African Israel Nineveh Church African Orthodox Church in Kenya Anglican Church of Kenya Church of Africa Sinai Mission Church of Christ in Africa Church of God East Africa (Kenya) Coptic Orthodox Church Episcopal Church of Africa Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya Friends Church in Kenya Free Pentecostal Fellowship of Kenya Full Gospel Churches of Kenya Kenya Assemblies of God Kenya Evangelical Lutheran Church Kenya Mennonite Church Lyahuka Church of East Africa Maranatha Faith Assemblies Methodist Church in Kenya National Independent Church of Africa Overcoming Faith Centre Church of Kenya Pentecostal Evangelistic Fellowship of Africa Presbyterian Church of East Africa Reformed Church of East Africa Salvation Army Scriptural Holiness Mission Zion Harvest Mission Deeper Life Bible Church Church of God Planters international churches

Associate Members

Bible Society of Kenya Christian Churches Education Association Christian Health Association of Kenya Christian Hostels Fellowship Kenya United Independent Churches Mt Zion Church Kayole Kenya Ecumenical Church Loan Fund Christian Students Leadership Centre (Ufungamano House) Kenya Students Christian Fellowship St Paul's University Public Law Institute Young Women's Christian Association (World YWCA) Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA)

Fraternal Members

African Evangelistic Enterprise Daystar University Fellowship of Christian Unions (FOCUS) Trans World Radio Trinity Fellowship World Vision International