Ukarimu Ministries’ Leadership Transition

For some time, we have been talking about turning over Ukarimu Ministries to new leadership and the Kingsburys’ eventual retirement. The past several posts have updated interested parties on the progress of the new home the Kingsburys have been building in the Mt. Kenya area of Nanyuki. At last the time came on August 23 for the Big Event—the installation of new leadership and the formal stepping down of the Kingsburys from active, day to day involvement in this ministry. The search for new, qualified leadership has been a process of several years, and after having worked with each of the new leaders for 2 years or more, the Kingsburys are very satisfied with the quality of leadership, the work being done, and most of all, the godly character, vision, and amiable character of each new leader. Here, we want to give those who could not attend, a peek at what transpired in the Ukarimu Ministries’ Leadership Installation Event, hosted at Ukarimu House…

Angie Macharia (in red): MC for the day and Ukarimu Ministries Trustee

Upon arrival, guests, which included student and marriage ministry alumni, students in the current fellowships, Daystar University guests, Ukarimu Board members, trustees, and staff, plus invited family members and close friends, were all invited for a hearty lunch, catered by one of the caterers working on Daystar’s Athi River campus. Guests numbered about 70.

After everyone was well-satisfied, we were all welcomed by our MC for the day, Angie Macharia (photo right, in red). Angie has been with Ukarimu Ministries for many, many years. She was one of our original board members, and was our first Chairperson, serving in that capacity until 2019. Angie made a warm and engaging MC as she welcomed guests and introduced our varied visitors.

Pst. Omeno Suji, Lukenya Community Church sharing the opening reflection

The opening reflection was brought by Pastor Omeno Suji, of Lukenya Community Church—the Kingsburys’ pastor for 10 years of the first church with which Ukarimu Ministries forged a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Our current, very able Chair, Dr. Ukaiko Ojiambo, then gave a brief history of Ukarimu Ministries, how we got to where we are today, and the possibilities that lie ahead. She is particularly qualified for this, as she has been with Ukarimu Ministries since its inception back in 2005.

The installation segment followed, where each new leader was introduced, anecdotes told of how they came into this ministry, and what their responsibilities at Ukarimu Ministries would involve. Let us introduce our new leaders…

The Kingsburys introduced Ian and Stella Orunga, who are now officially Ukarimu Ministries Directors. They will continue to reside at Ukarimu House, directing events and courses that are hosted here, overseeing student residents, and will still run the student ministry arm of Ukarimu Ministries. Ian is currently pursuing a course in Master of Education in Leadership and Policy Studies at Daystar University. Please be in prayer for the Orungas as they seek to pursue excellence in ministry, while balancing family and personal growth responsibilities. It’s a big job, but we are confident they will do well.

Pastor Joel Chola (of Destiny Chapel) introduces and charges Barnabas and Grace Achoki, who are now Ukarimu Ministries’ Marriage and Family Ministries Coordinators.

Next in line, Pastor Joel Chola (of Destiny Chapel) introduced,
charged and prayed for Barnabas and Grace Achoki, who are now Ukarimu Ministries’ Marriage and Family Ministries Coordinators. It was Pst. Chola who introduced the Kingsburys to the Achokis, recommending them highly for this work, especially as they had already been involved in marriage ministry for quite a few years. The 2 couples met one Saturday in January 2023, talked and shared visions for several hours, and decided we wanted to pursue this relationship further. We met and dreamed throughout 2023, began working together in 2024, and by January 2025, knew the Achokis were meant for this position. In this ceremony, an MOU was signed between Ukarimu Ministries and the Achokis. You will be hearing much more from the Achokis in future updates.

Pastor, Andrew Kariuki of Nairobi Chapel, Greenpark praying for Patnerships Liason, Amanda Mugwe

Our current Pastor, Andrew Kariuki of Nairobi Chapel, Greenpark, introduced, charged, and prayed for Amanda Kingsbury Mugwe, who is now Ukarimu Ministries’ Partnership Liaison. We (Kingsburys) had been concerned for some time about how to keep the varied aspects of Ukarimu Ministries together, as well as how to maintain communication with our partners, both local and international. Amanda, having grown up in Kenya, has a wide network of Kenyan contacts, and is also still well known by our international partners. She is uniquely suited for this work.

However, the clincher was that before we ever voiced our concerns in this area, Amanda and her husband, Thuo, approached us expressing her desire to serve Ukarimu Ministries, and outlining precisely what she would like to do. It turned out to be exactly the very areas we had concerns about! Clearly, God had been preparing the way for each of these beloved people to come on board in this ministry!

Collins Togom (Student ministries alumni and first Intern at Ukarimu) and family sharing about the impact the Kingsburys have had on his life and handing them a token.

The Kingsburys were appreciated by board member and Assistant Secretary, Judy Ombok. She, too, has been part of Ukarimu Ministries work for several years, particularly in the area of marriage ministry, where she and her husband, Eric, are very active. Our first intern and first student alum board member, Collins also joined in this appreciation. This is a bit of a bittersweet time for the Kingsburys as we know we will miss a lot of people when we move to our retirement home, will miss being so active in Ukarimu Ministries, but also knowing this is the right move to make—that fresh people and ideas must come in for any ministry to grow and flourish. We also are convinced that God will not have us sitting idle up in Nanyuki, but has plans which He has yet to unfold to us, but we are sure He will certainly do! So, for now, the Kingsburys are a real mix of anticipation, trepidation, melancholy, joy, and faith. We will continue to serve on Ukarimu’s board and staff for the next 9-12 months as we continue the transition and as long as the Lord directs. It has continually amazed us to discover just how much work is involved in such a transition. We will also continue to be available to help facilitate from time to time in marriage courses, workshops, and student events. Please be in prayer for us all as we press on in this transition time!

Rev. Miano Weche, the Chaplain of Daystar University, giving a keynote address for the event

The keynote address for this event was given by Rev. Miano Weche, the Chaplain of Daystar University, with whom Ukarimu Ministries has had an increasingly good working and friendly relationship. His words, which were really a good and encouraging charge for the new leaders, were timely and heart-felt. We all anticipate a growing relationship with Daystar University under our new leaders.

After Rev. Weche’s inspiring talk, we all made our way to the verandah, where we had the cake cutting ceremony (a must for all important events in Kenya!), followed by informal fellowship and renewing of friendships with friends, some of whom we had not seen in a long time. I think this will be a key event in Ukarimu Ministry’s history, remembered for a long time. Let’s include some observations and comments by some of the guests…

We are deeply grateful to all of you for partnership in this ministry, We could not do this without you!