Mombasa, Kenya – The Archbishop of Mombasa, Most Rev. Martin Kivuva, has warmly welcomed the appointment of Bishop Dominic Kimengich as the Coadjutor Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Mombasa by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.
The appointment, officially announced on 28 January 2026, marks a significant pastoral transition for one of Kenya’s metropolitan sees and is expected to strengthen leadership and continuity within the Church along the Coast region.
Addressing the faithful, Archbishop Kivuva urged the clergy, religious and laity to warmly receive Archbishop-designate Kimengich and accord him full cooperation and support as he takes up his new role.
“The Archdiocese of Mombasa has continued to grow, and the pastoral work has expanded across four counties. I requested for a helper, and today the Holy Father has given us a Coadjutor Archbishop,” Kivuva said. “Archbishop Dominic Kimengich will assist me in this growing work.”
Under canon law, a Coadjutor Archbishop assists the diocesan archbishop in pastoral governance and holds the right of succession upon the vacancy of the metropolitan see. The appointment is therefore seen as a strategic move to ensure stability, continuity and effective pastoral leadership.
Archbishop Kivuva further expressed confidence in Bishop Kimengich’s ability to deliver, describing him as a hardworking and dedicated servant of the Church with a proven track record.
A Seasoned Pastor and Administrator
Bishop Dominic Kimengich was born in 1961 and ordained a priest for the Diocese of Nakuru on 14 September 1986. Over nearly four decades, he has served the Church in a wide range of pastoral, administrative and formational capacities.
His ministry includes parish assignments, service as Rector of St. Joseph Junior Seminary, Molo, and later as Vicar General of the Diocese of Nakuru. He also served as Rector of St. Matthias Mulumba Major Seminary, Tindinyo, playing a key role in the formation of future priests.
Bishop Kimengich further offered his expertise at the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) Secretariat in Nairobi, where he provided canonical and legal support, particularly in strengthening ecclesiastical tribunals and promoting sound Church governance.
On 20 March 2010, he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Lodwar and Titular Bishop of Tanaramusa, receiving episcopal ordination on 22 May 2010. He was later appointed Bishop of Lodwar by Pope Benedict XVI on 5 March 2011, and installed later that month.
In November 2019, he was transferred to the Diocese of Eldoret, where he has been widely credited for his emphasis on evangelization, pastoral accompaniment and prudent administration.
Strengthening the Church’s Mission at the Coast
The Archdiocese of Mombasa, one of the oldest centres of Christianity in East Africa, plays a critical role in evangelization, interreligious dialogue and the promotion of social justice along Kenya’s Coast.
Bishop Kimengich’s appointment brings extensive pastoral experience and deep ecclesial insight to support this mission at a time of growing pastoral demands.
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has warmly welcomed the appointment and called on the faithful to keep Archbishop-designate Kimengich, the Archdiocese of Mombasa and the Church in Kenya in prayer as he prepares to assume his new pastoral responsibility.
As the Archdiocese enters this new chapter, Church leaders have expressed optimism that the partnership between Archbishop Kivuva and his Coadjutor will further strengthen pastoral outreach and service to the people of God along the Kenyan Coast.
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