Kilifi, Kenya | 19–23 August 2026 - Along the sun-drenched shores of Kilifi County, more than 1,000 young people from parishes and missions across the Kenya Evangelical Lutheran Church (KELC) came together for five transformative days of faith, fellowship and purposeful action at the 2026 KELC Youth Rally.
Anchored in the theme "Rooted in Christ, Growing to Transform the World," drawn from Colossians 2:6–7, the rally united youth from KELC's diverse deaneries in a bold pursuit: to deepen their walk with Christ while confronting the real social, economic, civic and environmental questions shaping their generation.
Delegates travelled from parishes and missions across the country, including Mukaa, Mutyambua, Katani, Ukambani, Jerusalem, Eastleigh, Kajiado, Pokot Mission, Kisii Mission, Voi Mission, Hola Tana, Garsen, Malindi, Wenje Mission, Makupa, Nyali and many others, alongside young people from the Ewuaso Osiligi Rescue Center and School, weaving together a rich tapestry of Kenyan Lutheran youth. The gathering was organised by the KELC Youth Department under the leadership of Youth Coordinator Mr. Patrick Musembi, in partnership with the Programme for Christian-Muslim Relations in Africa (PROCMURA).
A Vibrant Beginning
The rally was officially opened on 20 August by Bishop Rev. Catherine Ngina Musau, who served as theme expositor and delivered a rallying charge to the youth to rise into their role within the Church and society. Her address confronted pressing issues head-on - mental health, social injustice and civic responsibility - challenging delegates to be voices of conscience in their generation.
She was joined on the platform by KELC Secretary General Mr. Jonathan Kapanga, Deputy Bishop Rev. Dominic Nyambisa, the Youth Coordinator Mr. Patrick Musembi, together with clergy, facilitators and distinguished guests - underscoring the Church's unwavering investment in its youth.
Figure 1: KELC and partner leadership at the rally's official opening, including Bishop Rev. Catherine Ngina Musau, Deputy Bishop Rev. Dominic Nyambisa, and Youth Coordinator Mr. Patrick Musembi, 20 August 2026.
Faith, Identity and Civic Responsibility
Setting the tone for the week, Brian Muyunga, All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) Executive Youth Secretary, delivered a compelling keynote address framing the rally's theme as a leadership model for African Christian youth - one that positions young people as catalysts for both church growth and Africa's sustainable development.
 |  |
The conversation deepened during a PROCMURA-led afternoon session on civic responsibility and peacebuilding, bringing together a powerful panel: Rev. Dominic, a representative from ELCT Tanzania, a government representative from Kilifi county, and youth voices from the floor. Together, they tackled civic duty, responsible participation ahead of Kenya's 2027 General Election, and the rising tide of misinformation and disinformation. Seline Mosha further engaged younger participants in candid dialogue on safer communication and emerging trends in civic life.
The session was grounded in Romans 12:18: "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."
Entrepreneurship, Climate Action and Fellowship
The rally's programme struck a compelling balance between spiritual depth and practical empowerment. Entrepreneurship sessions explored budgeting, investment and faith in business, with facilitator Steve Karuri urging financial discipline rooted in stewardship: "The first thing you should do once you get any income is to set aside the first 10% and give it to God as an acknowledgement that He is the one who has blessed you with everything."
Faith was put into visible action through a climate clean-up at Vidazini Beach, Kilifi County, where youth rolled up their sleeves in a powerful demonstration of environmental stewardship and care for God's creation.
 |  |  |
Beyond the discussions, the rally pulsed with celebration - worship sessions, Bible quizzes, dance competitions, exhibitions, field games, and the glittering Mr. & Mrs. KELC Gala. A dazzling Cultural Night brought the diversity of KELC to life through presentations from the Pokomo, Kamba, Giriama and Maasai communities.
Crowned amid the festivities were Miss Daphine Moraa Arava of Makupa Parish, named Miss. KELC 2026/2027, and Mr. Emmanuel Lema of Eastleigh Parish, named Mr. KELC 2026/2027 - with winners across other competitions also recognized and celebrated.
Figure 4: Mr. Emmanuel Lema of Eastleigh Parish and Miss Daphine Moraa Arava of Makupa Parish are crowned Mr. and Miss KELC 2026/2027.
A Rally Marked By Lutheran Fellowship
Strengthening bonds across borders, the rally welcomed a youth delegation from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), led by Rev. Frank Mexon Mng'ong'o, National Youth Coordinator. A member of the visiting delegation also contributed to the civic responsibility panel, enriching the rally with a truly pan-African Lutheran perspective.
The rally drew to a close with a powerful sermon by Rev. Frank Mexon Mng'ong'o, delivered in the presence of KELC elders and Deputy Bishop Rev. Dominic Nyambisa, a fitting close to a
 |
Arise and Shine
Drawing from Isaiah 60:1 - "Arise, shine…" - participants departed Kilifi with a clear and resounding charge: to become agents of transformation in their churches, communities and nation.
As the curtains closed on the 2026 KELC Youth Rally, one message rang loud and clear - stay rooted in Christ, grow in faith, and use your gifts and voice to transform the world.
Follow KELC Youth: Instagram @kelcyouthdpt | X @KELCYouth