Kenya – Comboni Lay Missionaries

Easter celebration CLM Kenya

28 April, 2025 by Alberto de la Portilla

Our Easter celebration was amazing. The celebration was held in Kitelakapel international community. We were joined by other CLM members and candidates from Nairobi

On Holy Thursday

The day was started by welcoming our CLM members and candidates from Nairobi to Kitelakapel community, it was a moment of community building amongst us by sharing responsibilities

In the afternoon we had the privilege of showing our appreciation and gratitude by celebrating our assessor Fr Maciej on priest day

During the afternoon in Holy Triduum, we had moments of sharing our testimonies and vocations with the local community

On Good Friday

We joined the local community in prayer and singing during the way of the cross.

After which we continued building and engaging ourselves in our community by sharing of chores, eating together and praying together

On Holy Saturday

We had Bible catechesis with Fr Maciej, a short retreat where we reflected on the Word of God and prayer and later, we shared our individual reflections.

In the afternoon we joined the local community in celebrating Holy Saturday where we participated in the liturgy

We also took that moment to welcome two of our new members to the group, Gabriel and Anastasia

Resurrection Sunday

It was a day filled with joy and hope for our Lord Jesus Christ had resurrected from the dead. We joined the local community during mass where we participated in the liturgy and Sunday school with the children.

On Monday our dearest pope Francis passed away. We pray for his eternal rest and for all our Catholic church. Let’s be united in prayer.

Belinda Awino, CLM Kenya

Comboni Lay Missionaries in Kenya

21 March, 2025 by Alberto de la Portilla

We leave you here a video where you can see the reality of our CLM group in Kenya.

Community experience in Kitelakapel

19 February, 2025 by Alberto de la Portilla

My name is Belinda Awino, I am a Comboni Lay Missionary from Kenya currently doing my community experience in Kitelakapel, west Pokot County as I prepare to go to for mission in Peru.

I am glad to have joined the CLM international community in Kitelakapel for my community experience the members of the community have been very supportive since the day I arrived in their community.

Living in the community has taught me the benefits of community life such as praying together, sharing ideas and learning to respect one another. I’ve also learned some of the challenges a community might face and their possible solutions example conflicts and its resolution, management of resources i.e. finances, proper budgeting

Through the community I’ve been able to interact with the local community.

On Sundays I join Linda in Sunday school where we read the Word of God, sing songs and pray together with the children.

On Wednesday, i join Linda and Pius for Life Skill in St Bakhita girls Highschool, where we teach the girls about life, love, relationships…

On Friday I join Marzena in Kitelakapel dispensary where we assist the nurse in charge.

I am grateful for the experience and look forward for more growth in community life.

Belinda Awino, CLM Kenya

A Fruitful Start to 2025: Reflections on Our Annual Assembly in Kenya

5 February, 2025 by Alberto de la Portilla

2025 began on a high note with our annual assembly, which took place from Thursday 9th through Sunday 12th January. It was a time of deep reflection, evaluation, and planning as we looked back on the past year and prepared for the journey ahead.

Throughout the assembly, we assessed our activities, formation meetings, and the service we carried out. We also reviewed and updated our charter, ensuring it continues to guide us effectively in our mission. Additionally, we evaluated our financial report and laid out concrete plans for the year 2025.

A particularly special moment was the celebration of our members who are preparing for their mission experience in Kitelakapel. Their commitment is a beautiful witness to the call we all share—to go forth and proclaim the Gospel.

The cakes were from the Kitelakapel community to thank the CLM of Kenya for their support, and to welcome the new CLM preparing for mission and who would later join us in Kitelakapel for their community experience.

What stood out most about this assembly was the sense of shared responsibility and the desire for growth. It was inspiring to see how deeply each member is involved in shaping the future of our mission. The emphasis on formation, service, and careful planning shows a strong commitment not just to action, but to sustainable and meaningful missionary work.

Among the plans for 2025, a key focus is on supporting those preparing for mission abroad and ensuring they are well-equipped spiritually and practically. There is also a strong commitment to strengthening our local initiatives, improving how we accompany communities, and fostering deeper missionary engagement.

As we step into this new year, we pray for God’s abundant blessings upon our mission. May He guide our steps and strengthen our resolve. And may our beloved Saint—Daniel Comboni—intercede for us as we continue to walk in faith and service.

CLM Kenya

Family on mission

18 December, 2024 by Alberto de la Portilla

Me, Tobiasz, together with my wife, Adela, have spent already a few years on mission: two years in South Africa and over two years in Ethiopia. We came back to Poland when our son was about to be born. Five years has passed since that time and three children appeared. With our family increased by Leo (5 years), Jeremi (almost 4 years) and Beniamin (1 and a half year), we decided to refresh our missionary vocation and came back to Africa, this time for a five weeks.

We visited international CLM community in Kitelakapel, Kenya, where we were hosted by Pius, Linda and Marzenka. It was great to see such a beautiful community, having good relationship with local people and among themselves. They welcomed us warmly and made us a real part of their community for that time.

It was beginning of school holiday and we organized activities for children from the neighbourhood. They were eager to spend their time playing, and were excited to see white people the same size as they are, i.e., our children. We took part in jumuias – meetings of small communities, where they read the Bible and speak about that. After Sunday Masses we had meetings with parishoners, where we shared our understanding of God, marriage and raising up children. The words always mean less than example of life, and we hope that being there even for a few weeks only would inspire some of them to pursue the Christian vision of family.

Realities in West Pokot region are very different than those we know from Europe. Men don’t participate in the family life – people were shocked I carried Beniamin in a carrier and played with my children. Most of them don’t come to the church, sometimes not allowing their wives to come, knowing that the church don’t approve polygamy which they practice. Small children are often left alone, with the only care of their not much older sisters. On the other hand life there is beautiful in its simplicity. People are joyful and very hospitable. Surely there is much to be inspired from them and they can learn much from us as well.

We are coming back to Poland with more just good memories of exceptional trip, but with our missionary vocation refreshed. It’s possible to be a missionary staying in your home town. But staying in your home town it’s very easy not to be a missionary. We are so happy we could experience the mission again.

Tobiasz Lemański, CLM