Africa-Press – Kenya. President William Ruto has called for closer collaboration between the State and the Church in advancing social development, saying the two institutions are partners in serving the public.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, where he hosted leaders of the Methodist Church in Kenya, President Ruto said faith-based institutions play a critical role in nation-building and should work hand in hand with the government to improve the lives of citizens.
“You have asked that we have a strategic relationship so that where we can help you as the government, and where you can help us as the Church, we can have good leadership and synergy. We are not competitors; we are partners,” Ruto said.
He noted that cooperation between the government and religious institutions was especially important in key social sectors such as education, healthcare, peace building, community engagement, and youth empowerment.
According to the President, churches are deeply embedded in communities and therefore well placed to complement government programmes.
Ruto singled out church-sponsored training institutions, particularly in the health sector, noting their contribution to human resource development.
“You are training some of the best nurses in Kenya. We want to see how we can leverage the expertise you are building to support our universal health programme and give opportunities to young people from your institutions to work not just in Kenya, but also in the global workforce,” he said.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working closely with faith-based organisations in delivering the government’s broader development agenda.
He said the partnership would ensure more effective service delivery, especially in underserved areas where churches often provide essential social services.
During the meeting, Ruto also assured the Methodist Church of government support in addressing financial challenges facing its institutions.
He disclosed that the government intends to settle debts amounting to up to Sh2 billion owed to the Methodist University, a move he said would enable the institution to continue providing education and other services without undue financial strain.
The President said stabilising faith-based universities and institutions was in the national interest, given their role in training professionals and promoting values-based education.
He added that such support aligns with the government’s goal of expanding access to quality education and strengthening institutions that contribute to social cohesion.
As the government rolls out programmes in healthcare, education, and community development, Ruto said sustained dialogue and cooperation with the Church would be essential to ensuring inclusive growth and long-term national stability.
