Pope Leo has appointed the Rt. Rev. Dominic Kimengich, the current Bishop of Eldoret, as the Coadjutor Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Mombasa, marking a significant transition within the leadership of the Catholic Church in Kenya.
In a statement released by the Holy See, the Pope named Bishop Kimengich to serve alongside the current Archbishop of Mombasa, positioning him to automatically succeed to the metropolitan see upon vacancy, in line with canon law provisions governing coadjutor appointments.
Bishop Kimengich, a seasoned church administrator and canon law expert, brings decades of pastoral, academic, and leadership experience to one of Kenya’s most influential archdioceses.
Clerical Journey and Academic Formation
Born on April 23, 1961, in Kituro, Bishop Kimengich pursued philosophical studies at St. Augustine’s Senior Seminary before completing his theological training at St. Thomas Aquinas Senior Seminary in Nairobi. He was ordained a priest on September 14, 1986.
Early in his priesthood, he served as Parish Vicar in Ndana (1986–1988) and later as Parish Priest in Kipsaraman (1988–1993). He would later proceed to Rome, where he earned both a Licentiate and Doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, strengthening his expertise in church governance.
Leadership Roles in Kenyan Dioceses
Upon returning to Kenya, Bishop Kimengich held several key leadership positions, including Rector of St. Joseph Junior Seminary in Molo (1997–2001) and Vicar General of the Diocese of Nakuru (2001–2007). He later served as Rector of St. Matthias Mulumba Senior Seminary in Tindinyo (2007–2008).
On March 20, 2010, he was elected to the titular see of Tanaramusa and appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Lodwar, before being named Bishop of Lodwar on March 5, 2011. His episcopal journey continued with his appointment as Bishop of Eldoret on November 16, 2019.
Significance of the Appointment
The appointment of Bishop Kimengich as Coadjutor Archbishop of Mombasa signals the Vatican’s confidence in his leadership at a time when the Church in Kenya continues to navigate pastoral growth, urban ministry challenges, and social engagement along the Coast region.
His elevation is expected to ensure continuity, administrative stability, and pastoral preparedness within the Archdiocese of Mombasa, one of the oldest and most diverse Catholic jurisdictions in the country.
