Pope Leo XIV has appointed Most Rev. Dominic Kimengich, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Eldoret, as the Coadjutor Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Mombasa, following an appointment letter dated 28 January 2026.
Bishop Kimengich, 55, was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Nakuru on September 14, 1986, and has devoted himself to various pastoral, administrative, and formative roles throughout his ministry.
His journey includes parish placements, as well as serving as the Rector of St. Joseph Junior Seminary in Molo and Vicar General for the Diocese of Nakuru.
He has held the position of Rector at St. Matthias Mulumba Major Seminary in Tindinyo and contributed his legal and canonical expertise to the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) in Nairobi.
In his role as Coadjutor Archbishop, he will assist the Archbishop of Mombasa in the pastoral governance of the Archdiocese and, in accordance with canon law, will have the right of succession upon the eventual vacancy of the metropolitan see.
Bishop Kimengich was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Lodwar and Titular Bishop of Tanaramusa on 20 March 2010 and was installed as Bishop of the Diocese of Lodwar on 30 March 2011 following his appointment by Pope Benedict XVI on 5 March 2011.
Most Rev. Dominic Kimengich, Coadjutor Archbishop-elect, Archdiocese of Mombasa
Since his translation to the Diocese of Eldoret in November 2019, he has revitalised the diocese by emphasising evangelisation, pastoral accompaniment and wise administration.
As noted by the Commission for Social Communications Team, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) warmly welcomed the appointment, encouraging “all the faithful to keep Bishop Dominic Kimengich, the Archdiocese of Mombasa, and the Church in Kenya in prayer as he prepares to undertake this new pastoral responsibility in the service of God’s people.”
Recognised as the cradle of Christianity in East Africa, the Archdiocese of Mombasa plays a vital role in evangelisation, interreligious dialogue and social justice throughout the Coastal region.
With the appointment of Bishop Kimeng’ich as the 4th Archbishop of Mombasa, following the retirement of Archbishop Martin Kivuva Musonde, it is anticipated that he would draw upon his extensive academic, administrative, and pastoral experience to enhance the Church’s mission.
Archbishop Musonde has served as the Metropolitan Archbishop of Mombasa since December 2014 and is approaching the mandatory retirement age of 75 in February 2027.
Bishop Kimeng’ich becomes the latest leader from the Diocese of Eldoret to be appointed Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Mombasa after the late Archbishop John Njenga.
Archbishop-elect of the Archdiocese of Mombasa, Most Rev. Dominic Kimengich and the late Archbishop John Njenga. Credit: Seed Consolata Magazine
Njenga was appointed to lead the Catholic diocese of Eldoret on 4 October 1970, with his ordination occurring on 22 November 1970.
After 18 years of dedicated service, he became Bishop of Mombasa on 25 October 1988 and took possession of the diocese on 12 February 1989.
Under Pope John Paul II, the diocese was elevated to an Archdiocese on 21 May 1990, and Njenga became its first Archbishop, serving until his retirement in 2005.
Besides honouring a legacy, Kimeng’ich’s appointment strengthens the enduring bond between the Diocese of Eldoret and the Archdiocese of Mombasa, offering hope for the future of the Church in Kenya.
It makes a significant milestone for the oldest metropolitan see in Kenya, symbolising continuity in leadership and reinforcing the Church’s growth and sustainability along the Kenyan Coast and across the Church in East Africa.
