The Catholic Church in Kenya is celebrating a historic milestone following the erection of the Catholic Diocese of Kapsabet by Pope Leo XIV, making it the 28th diocese in the country.
The new diocese has been carved out of the Catholic Diocese of Eldoret and will cover the entire Nandi County, a region with a strong Catholic presence and deep spiritual roots.
Appointed as the first Bishop of Kapsabet is Rt. Rev. John Kiplimo Lelei, formerly the Auxiliary Bishop of Eldoret.
The Holy Father simultaneously released him from the titular see of Monte di Numidia to take up this historic assignment.
Born on August 15, 1958, in Soy within the Diocese of Eldoret, Bishop Lelei was ordained a priest on October 26, 1985.
His priestly journey has spanned nearly four decades and includes pastoral service in both Kenya and Austria, academic leadership, and deep involvement in seminary formation and liturgical scholarship.
A scholar with a Doctorate in Theology (Liturgy) from the Universität Wien, Bishop Lelei has served as a parish priest, vicar forane, seminary lecturer, and most notably, as rector of St. Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary in Nairobi from 2017 to 2023.
He was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Eldoret in 2024 and served as Vicar General before his current elevation.
The creation of the Diocese of Kapsabet is seen as a pastoral response to the growing Catholic population in Nandi County and the need for closer ecclesial administration.
Bishop Lelei’s appointment is widely viewed as a recognition of his deep theological grounding, humility, and long-standing dedication to the Kenyan Church.
The installation date is yet to be announced, but preparations are already underway in Kapsabet to welcome their first bishop and shepherd.
