Last Saturday, Joseph Kioko,winner of the 4th Edition of #Alumni Golf Challenge and Alumna of #St.Mary’s Junior Seminary in Kwale was receiving a special #Alumni Homecoming Celebration at his #Alma Mater. The ceremony was graced by the school’s patron, the Most Reverend Martin Kivuva, who is also the Archbishop of the #Mombasa Diocese of the #Catholic Church and the current chairperson of KENYA CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS – The GENERAL SECRETARIAT of Catholic Church Bishops. Although unfamiliar with the Most Reverend, I quickly learned that he is an approachable, humble, and happy individual who exudes authority. During an interview, I gained valuable insights into his life and accomplishments.
The Most Reverend was born in 1952 in #Machakos County but relocated to Kwale County with his parents in 1962. He attended Kichaka Samba Primary School before joining St. Mary’s Junior Seminary for his O level and later #St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary in Nairobi for his Philosophy and Theology studies. His exemplary performance earned him ordination as a priest in 1978 and a posting to work in Mwatate Parish. After years of service to the church, he was appointed bishop on 15 March 2003 and ordained and installed as the Bishop of Machakos on 3 June 2003 at Machakos Stadium.
Aside from his work in the church, the Most Reverend is an accomplished radio producer. He studied Radio Production at the All-Africa Conference of Churches in Nairobi and video and radio production at the Institute of Telecommunications in Dallas, Texas. He worked as a social communications coordinator for the Archdiocese of Mombasa in 1992 and was later appointed to work in Ukweli Video Productions in Nairobi, where he became the director, a position he held until his appointment as the Bishop of Machakos. The Most Reverend also holds certificates in building and construction from Mombasa Polytechnic, in Religious Studies from the University of Nairobi, and in aid administration from Selly Oak College in Birmingham, England.
On 9 December 2014, Bishop Martin Kivuva Musonde was appointed Archbishop of Mombasa and installed on 21 February 2015. Throughout his tenure as bishop, he championed the rights of individuals and the disadvantaged, regardless of religious affiliation. His #alma mater, St. Mary’s, played a significant role in shaping his character and gifts. During the #Homecoming ceremony, he urged fellow alumni not to neglect their former school and reminded them of their importance in developing future generations through role modeling and bursary support for needy students.
The Alumnus Challenge team was honored to meet the Most Reverend Martin Kivuva, an icon among St. Mary’s alumni. His mantra of “that all may be one” is a testament to his desire to make an impact and touch lives. The Most Reverend’s accomplishments serve as an inspiration to many and a reminder that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
If you’re an alumnus or alumna of any school, this story should inspire you to reach out and support your former school. Your Alumni engagement can make a significant impact and create a better future for the next generation of students. For more information on how to support the Alumnus Challenge, contact us at info@alumnuschallenge.org, call on 0104063038, or follow us on our social media handle @alumnuschallenge.