Our Story

About Us

The Diocese of Butere came into existence on 1 January 1993 as a subdivision of the former Diocese of Maseno North. It encompasses the geographical area in Western Kenya formerly known as North Kavirondo, which was initially a part of Uganda and under Mukono Diocese’s jurisdiction. The missionary journey to Butere began in 1912 when Archdeacon Walter Chadwick, sent by the Church Missionary Society, arrived from Entebbe. He embarked on evangelism through itineration, schools, and dispensaries.

The AICMAR Chadwick Library in Butere stands as a tribute to Walter Chadwick and his sister Lizette, both pioneers in mission work in the region. Lizette dedicated a decade of her life to serve as a missionary in Butere, during which she founded Butere Girls School. The task of spreading the gospel was not without challenges, as the locals were deeply rooted in their cultural practices, requiring time and effort to comprehend the message of salvation through Christ.

Today, the Anglican Church in Butere boasts a membership of approximately 37,000 faithful followers. The Diocese encompasses a population of about 250,000 people, spread across Butere and Khwisero sub-counties. Through the unwavering dedication of missionaries and the local community, the Diocese of Butere has grown and flourished, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of its members and the surrounding communities.

 

Statistical Information

 
Local churches 170 Priests 52
Parishes 51 Curates  4
Deaneries 6 Deacons 12
Archdeaconries  2 Associate Ministers 7

 

Vision

An Active and Transformed Christian Community Responding to Needs in Society.

Mission

God has called us to advance the Gospel of Jesus and His Kingdom by Proclaiming, Renewing and Discipling.

Core Values

We seek to enhance our ministry by being Humble, Accountable, Team workers, Focused, Passionate, Excellent Implementers, Loyal, Confidential, Persistent, Committed and Truthful

Social Commitment

We aim to transform our communities by focusing on initiatives in Health, Education, Advocacy and Wealth Creation

Compass Verse

‘…let each one take care how they build…”  1st Cor 3:10

Current Bishop

The Rt Revd Rose Okeno

Bishop Rose Okeno holds the esteemed position as the fourth elected and consecrated Bishop of the Diocese of Butere. Her consecration took place on September 12, 2021, and was officiated by the sixth Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya, The Most Revd Dr. Jackson Ole Sapit.

In her role as Bishop, she presides over the diocesan synod and the standing committee, with the assistance of Archdeacons who support her in the day-to-day management of the diocese.

Notably, Bishop Rose Okeno has broken barriers as the first female Bishop to be elected in the Anglican Church of Kenya. She succeeded Bishop Timothy Wambunya, who resigned in September 2020. Despite facing opposition, she was consecrated at St. Luke’s Cathedral, Butere, in a courageous defiance against a movement that sought to impose a moratorium on women Bishops.

Bishop Rose’s dedication to the church spans nearly two decades, during which she has held various significant positions. She is a devoted mother of four children and has been a stalwart servant of the Anglican Church of Kenya for 20 years. Throughout her journey, she has faced personal hardships, including the loss of her husband in 2014.

Over the years, Bishop Rose has made significant contributions as the Archbishop’s Commissary for two years, Vicar General for four years, Diocesan Administrative Secretary for one year, and Women’s Ministry Coordinator for seven years.

Her educational background includes attending Lirembe Girls Secondary School in Kakamega County from 1986 to 1989. She later pursued her bachelor’s degree in theology at Kenya Methodist University (KeMU) from 2003 to 2007.

Bishop Rose Okeno is not only a spiritual leader but also a strong advocate for women and girls’ rights, as well as the empowerment of marginalized individuals. Her commitment to these causes has left a lasting impact on the community and the Anglican Church of Kenya as a whole.

Previous Bishops

Third Bishop: The Rt. Revd. Dr. Timothy Livingstone Wambunya (2013 – 2020)

Second Bishop: The Rt Revd Michael Joshua Sande (2003 – 2013)

First Bishop: The Rt Revd Horace Shitandi Etemesi (1993- 2006)