Diocese of Marsabit

Diocese of Marsabit: The Catholic Diocese of Marsabit was established in November 1964 through the efforts of Bishop Charles Cavallera (Bishop of the Diocese of Marsabit 1964-81). The jurisdiction previously covered the two Counties of Northern Kenya namely: Marsabit and Samburu. In 1981 the Diocese got a new Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Ambrose Ravasi was in charge of the Diocese until 2006. Rt. Rev. Peter Kihara Kariuki the current Bishop was installed as the third Bishop of the Diocese in January 2007. Coverage: The Diocese covers the entire Marsabit County, which is the second largest in Kenya after Turkana and covers an area of 70,961.2 sq. km. Marsabit is classified as 100% Arid and Semi-Ar... read more Diocese of Marsabit: The Catholic Diocese of Marsabit was established in November 1964 through the efforts of Bishop Charles Cavallera (Bishop of the Diocese of Marsabit 1964-81). The jurisdiction previously covered the two Counties of Northern Kenya namely: Marsabit and Samburu. In 1981 the Diocese got a new Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Ambrose Ravasi was in charge of the Diocese until 2006. Rt. Rev. Peter Kihara Kariuki the current Bishop was installed as the third Bishop of the Diocese in January 2007. Coverage: The Diocese covers the entire Marsabit County, which is the second largest in Kenya after Turkana and covers an area of 70,961.2 sq. km. Marsabit is classified as 100% Arid and Semi-Arid Land (ASAL). According to the 2019 census, the county has a population of 459,785. It has 17 Parishes served by clergy from different congregations and nationalities. The county is mainly inhabited by pastoralist communities with a mix of indigenous ethnic and sub-ethnic communities who profess Christianity, Islam, and African traditional religions. Caritas Marsabi: Catholic Diocese of Marsabit's development agency - Caritas Marsabit is a committed Faith Based Organization that supports integral human development of the pastoralists' communities in Marsabit County. The function of Caritas Marsabit aligns itself with the objectives of the pastoral department of the diocese, whose main function is evangelization. The organization's mission is to empower the people to know God and live in dignity and harmony. It envisions a people holistically empowered in line with the gospel values. W In her programs, Caritas Marsabit aims to facilitate, network, and empower the target communities through need-based multi-sectoral programs built on positive cultural and modern practices that utilize available local resources and modern technology. In all these, we are guided by core values of Love, Honesty, Stewardship, Accountability, and Community engagement. Target: Our target groups are largely pastoralists and agro-pastoralists who rely on agriculture which is a highly climate-sensitive sector. As such, the goal of promoting adaptation, mitigation, and poverty reduction is core in our program designs. The organization adopts the Kenya National Adaptation Plan (2015-2030) recommendation of mainstreaming climate change adaptation in all sectors. As such the organization undertakes short-term, medium-term, and long-term measures to build communities' resilience against climate change-related shocks. Our Programs: Caritas Marsabit has identified six strategic pillars that guide our work and help us address the diverse needs of the communities we serve. These pillars form the foundation of our programs and initiatives: 1. Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH): We strive to improve access to clean water, and proper sanitation facilities, and promote hygienic practices. Our WASH programs focus on constructing and rehabilitating water sources, building latrines, and conducting hygiene promotion activities to ensure healthier living conditions for the most vulnerable communities of Marsabit County. Caritas Marsabit Specific objectives under this program include; Potable water supply at the household and institution levels increased Empowered communities managing water resources effectively Improved access to safe sanitation and hygiene 2. Health and Nutrition: Caritas Marsabit is dedicated to improving the health and nutrition status of the people in the county. We provide healthcare services, promote preventive health practices, conduct awareness campaigns, and support nutrition programs to combat malnutrition and enhance overall well-being. The program`s specific objectives include: To reduce morbidity and mortality rates of children and mothers To promote preventive Health practices Promote advocacy on health issues 3. Sustainable Livelihoods: Caritas Marsabit supports the development of sustainable livelihood options for individuals and communities. We provide vocational training, entrepreneurship development, and access to microfinance to empower people to generate income, improve their economic situation, and reduce poverty. The specific objectives under this theme include: To promote diverse income-generating activities To enhance Livestock production and marketing 4. Justice and Peace (JP): We advocate for justice, equality, and peace in Marsabit. Our programs focus on promoting social cohesion, conflict resolution, human rights awareness, and strengthening community-based justice systems. We strive for a just and peaceful society where everyone can live harmoniously. The specific objectives under this program include: To promote communities` engagement in peace-building and conflict transformation processes. Increase public participation in good governance issues at local and national levels