About KELC
Rooted in faith, shaped by history, and committed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Our Vision
Life in All Its Fullness
We envision a Kenya where every person experiences the abundant life promised by Christ — spiritually, physically, and in community.
— John 10:10b
Our Mission
A Light on Our Path
To proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ through Word and Sacrament, make disciples of all nations, and serve our communities with compassion and justice.
— Psalm 119:105
Rooted in East Africa's Growth
The roots of the Kenya Evangelical Lutheran Church (KELC) lie in the economic development of East Africa during the 1960s and the establishment of the East African Community. Lutheran workers from Tanzania initially settled in rural areas, and from 1960 onward, in Mombasa and Nairobi.
They turned to their home church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), for support. By 1965, the first steps were taken toward founding a Lutheran church by the Tanzanian Lutherans in Mombasa and Nairobi.
From Kenya Synod to Independent Church
There were efforts to collaborate with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya (ELCK), but these failed in 1966. On July 3, 1968, the former Kenya Synod was officially registered as a member church of the ELCT.
Over the following years, the KELC developed more and more into an independent church. Twenty years later, in May 1989, the ELCT approved the registration of the Kenya Synod as an autonomous church. From then on, it was officially known as the Kenya Evangelical Lutheran Church (KELC).
Official Establishment & Global Recognition
In 1991, Zachariah Kahuthu was elected as the President of the KELC, and the church received official government recognition. On February 16, 1992, the KELC was formally established, and Kahuthu was installed as its President.
That same year, the KELC became a member of the Lutheran World Federation — a milestone that placed KELC firmly within the global Lutheran community.
First Bishop & World Council of Churches
Following various reforms and consultations, the KELC restructured itself. On July 15, 1995, Kahuthu was elected as the church's first bishop. That year, the KELC also joined the World Council of Churches (WCC).
The synod made a deliberate decision not to introduce regional bishops or dioceses, as in the ELCT, but instead opted for a flat hierarchy with administrative districts and district pastors.
Our Journey Through the Years
First steps toward founding a Lutheran church by Tanzanian Lutherans in Mombasa and Nairobi.
Kenya Synod officially registered as a member church of the ELCT.
Kenya Synod registered as an autonomous church — officially named KELC.
KELC formally established. Kahuthu installed as President. KELC joins the Lutheran World Federation.
Kahuthu elected as first bishop. KELC joins the World Council of Churches (WCC).
First five-year development plan launched with the goal that 1% of Kenya's population would become Lutheran church members.
Bishop Kahuthu re-elected, serving until his retirement in 2020.
Johnes Ole Kutuk Meliyio elected as successor. Installation delayed due to COVID-19. Consecration to be carried out by presiding bishop of the ELCT, Fredrick Onael Shoo.
Part of the World Lutheran Family
KELC is honoured to be in communion with global church bodies that unite millions of Christians worldwide.
Lutheran World Federation
Part of a global communion of 148 churches across 99 countries, representing over 77 million Lutherans worldwide.
World Council of Churches
United with over 350 churches representing more than 500 million Christians across 120 countries.
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania
Our founding partner church — the ELCT nurtured KELC from its earliest days and remains a vital partner in mission, theology, and fellowship.