KENYA: President Uhuru Challenges Loreto Sisters to Remain a Highly Profiled Religious Institution at the Launch of 100 Years of Service
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta has challenged members of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM) commonly known as Loreto Sisters to remain highly profiled in their service to humanity.
“My challenge to you Loreto Sisters is to continue with your noble work integrating our society and that you continue to remain one of the most highly profiled institutions run by distinguished women,” President Uhuru said during the launch of the centenary year for the Loreto Eastern Africa Province Saturday, January 23.
“The solid and all round foundation that you offer girls, boys and also our young women and men has set your institution apart in education sector,”… and “judging from history I am confident that every girl, every boy privileged to attend a Loreto Institution becomes uniquely fit to face the challenges and exploit the opportunities of our first changing world,” the Head of State who himself went through a Loreto school as a child for about two years affirmed the work of the Sisters.
He acknowledged that the work of Loreto Sisters in the country has contributed to the creative and performing arts, politics, governance, religion and theology, environmental protection and community service among many other fields.
The Loreto Eastern Africa Province comprising of three countries was established in 1921 and has 24 educational Institutions; 21 in Kenya, two in Tanzania and one in Ghana.
During his speech, the President asked the Sisters to preserve and protect the history of Loreto so the story of the Sisters can be told even to future generation.
“My humble request is for you to preserve the history of Loreto, the icon and the artefacts at Loreto Msongari. This way we can afford to give the future generation the full breath and perspective of the great story that is Loreto,” the President narrated. 
“On my part, to ensure that we do not have any interference or threat of disposal or alteration of this success, I hereby direct the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning jointly with the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage to ensure that the land occupied by Loreto convent Msongari remains in the hands of the Loreto sisters through the granting of a free-hold title as a matter of public as well as historic interest,” the Head of State directed.
The President has further urged the alumni of Loreto schools in Kenya to support the Sisters’ work and help “modernize the school infrastructure, re-stock the libraries, upgrade the IT (Information Technology) systems and expand the capacity of its great centres of holistic learning,” calling on them to establish an endowment fund and scholarship program.
In this regard, President Uhuru has offered his personal donation of Kshs 10 Million (US$ 100,000.00) for the endowment fund to support the initiative.
Speaking during the Saturday event held at the Loreto’s Mary Ward Centre in Nairobi, the Chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) Archbishop Philip Anyolo who presided over the Holy Eucharist emphasized during the homily that the Sisters need not forget their history which depicts the journey where they have come from.
Highlighting the theme for the year-long centenary celebration “God’s faithfulness,” Archbishop Anyolo of Kenya’s Kisumu Archdiocese reminded the Sisters to appreciate God’s love which has enabled them reach where they are and encouraged them to continue in the service of transforming people and moving them closer to God.
On her part, the Province Leader of Loreto Eastern Africa Sr. Lucy Nderi appreciated the work of the founding Sisters and promised their continued dedication to keep the legacy of the congregation.
“As we endeavor to respond to the new and emerging needs of an ever-changing world, we will continue to go where the need is greatest and provide an answer to those who live in the periphery of the society,” Sr. Nderi disclosed.
The Congregation is geared to begin another education institution in Kenya’s Kilifi county as a milestone to mark the 100 years celebration.
