VATICAN City—Jan 29, 2026—His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has appointed Rt. Rev. Dominic Kimengich, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Eldoret, as the Coadjutor Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Mombasa, a move that signals an important pastoral transition for one of Kenya’s key metropolitan sees.
The appointment, officially announced on January 28, 2026, positions Bishop Kimengich to assist the Archbishop of Mombasa in the pastoral and administrative governance of the Archdiocese, which serves thousands of faithful across the Coast region.
In accordance with canon law, a Coadjutor Archbishop holds the right of succession, meaning Bishop Kimengich will automatically assume leadership of the Archdiocese upon the vacancy of the metropolitan see.
Church observers say the move ensures continuity of leadership at a time when the Church at the Coast is grappling with social, economic and moral challenges affecting families, youth and interfaith relations.
The Archdiocese of Mombasa, which covers Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale and parts of Taita Taveta counties, plays a strategic role in the Catholic Church’s mission along the Coast, a region marked by religious diversity and complex socio-economic realities.
Bishop Kimengich brings with him years of pastoral experience from the Diocese of Eldoret, where he has been credited with strengthening clergy formation, promoting social justice initiatives and deepening engagement with the laity.
His appointment is expected to bolster the Church’s pastoral outreach at the Coast and prepare the Archdiocese for a smooth leadership transition, reinforcing the Catholic Church’s mission of evangelisation, peace and service to the community.
