More than 6,000 members of the Friends Church (Quakers) from Kenya and across the world converged at State House, Nairobi, on Monday August 3, 2026 in a landmark meeting with President William Ruto, marking the first time a Kenyan Head of State has officially hosted the Quaker faithful at the country’s seat of power.
The delegation, which travelled aboard more than 200 buses from different parts of Kenya alongside international representatives, described the occasion as a defining moment in the history of the Friends Church in Kenya.
The gathering culminated years of engagement between the Government and the Church and laid the foundation for a deeper working relationship anchored on shared values and national development.
The event was attended by the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, himself a lifelong member of the Friends Church, who welcomed the congregation to State House and underscored the significance of the historic engagement.
“It is my profound honour and privilege to welcome you all to State House, the seat of our nation’s Executive, for this significant engagement between the Presidency and the leadership of the Friends Church Kenya,” Mudavadi said.
Describing himself as “a proud Quaker,” the Prime Cabinet Secretary reaffirmed his commitment to the Church’s guiding principles embodied in the acronym SPICES—Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality and Stewardship—which he said continue to shape ethical leadership and responsible public service.
Mudavadi praised the Friends Church for its enduring contribution to Kenya through education, healthcare, humanitarian work, peacebuilding and moral leadership, noting that the Church has remained a steadfast pillar in nurturing values that strengthen the country’s social fabric.
He said the Government views the Church as an indispensable partner in nation-building.
“We recognize that the task of nation-building is a shared responsibility—one that calls upon government institutions, faith communities, the private sector and every citizen to work together in pursuit of a united, peaceful and prosperous Kenya,” he said.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary noted that the unprecedented meeting reflected President Ruto’s commitment to maintaining open dialogue with all sectors of society, emphasizing that sustainable national transformation requires not only sound policies and strategic investments but also ethical leadership, shared values and collective responsibility.
He said the Government’s development agenda—including economic transformation, job creation, food security, universal healthcare, affordable housing, digital innovation and empowerment of youth, women and entrepreneurs—would benefit immensely from continued partnership with faith-based organizations.
“As these national priorities advance, the partnership and prayers of the Church remain invaluable in fostering unity, inspiring hope and strengthening the moral foundation upon which sustainable development depends,” Dr. Mudavadi said.
He commended the Friends Church for its unwavering commitment to praying for the nation, providing counsel to leaders, promoting reconciliation, justice and peace, and serving communities across the country.
The historic State House gathering is expected to strengthen institutional collaboration between the Government and the Friends Church, opening new avenues for cooperation in areas of peacebuilding, education, social development, youth empowerment and community service.
Quaker leaders welcomed the engagement, describing it as a recognition of the Church’s longstanding contribution to Kenya’s development and a demonstration of the Government’s willingness to work closely with faith communities in addressing national challenges.
The meeting concluded with prayers for the nation and a renewed commitment by both the Government and the Friends Church to deepen collaboration in promoting unity, ethical leadership and sustainable development.
Quoting Psalm 133:1, Dr. Mudavadi called on Kenyans to embrace unity as the country pursues its development aspirations.
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity,” he said, adding, “May this spirit of unity continue to guide our nation as we work together for the benefit of all Kenyans.”
The historic gathering is expected to be remembered as a milestone in the relationship between the Kenyan Government and the Friends Church, establishing a new chapter of partnership built on mutual respect, shared values and a common commitment to the country’s progress.
