Catholic Justice and Peace Department (CJPD)

The Diocese of Malindi, established on June 2, 2000, was formed from parts of the Archdiocese of Mombasa and Garissa Diocese. The first Bishop, Rt. Rev. Francis Baldacchino, OFM Cap, a Maltese Capuchin Missionary, was consecrated in September 2000. He was succeeded by Rt. Rev. Emanuel Barbara, OFM Cap in October 2011, and the current Bishop, Rt. Rev. Willybard Kitogho Lagho, was consecrated on March 19, 2021. Geographically, the Diocese spans parts of Kilifi, Tana River, and Lamu counties, covering about 33,254 square kilometers with a population of over 964,000. The diocese serves a diverse community across urban and rural areas, experiencing both growth and challenges. Malindi faces occasional political instability, with ethnic clashes and resource-based conflicts impacting local communities. Additionally, issues like high illiteracy rates and youth unemployment contribute to vulnerability, with some young people being recruited into criminal activities. However, government initiatives like KYEOP aim to address these challenges by equipping youth with employability skills. Economically, Malindi is a major tourist destination, known for its beautiful coastline and proximity to national parks. However, tourism has been severely impacted by security concerns and the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to job losses and a downturn in related industries such as hospitality, agriculture, and transport. Socially, Malindi Diocese is home to a diverse population, with rapid urbanization affecting both social dynamics and the uptake of Catholic faith. In urban areas, issues like radicalization, religious intolerance, and family crises are prevalent, while the region also faces the challenges of violence against the elderly and the complexities of the tourism industry. Despite these challenges, the diocese remains deeply respected and offers a strong foundation for social intervention, helping to foster unity and positive change.