On the morning of May 28, 2025, Kenya’s political, religious, and civic leaders gathered at Nairobi’s Safari Park Hotel for the 22nd Annual National Prayer Breakfast. Held under the theme “Rise and Rebuild,” the event served as a solemn reflection point for a nation grappling with economic strain, political tension, and generational discontent. President William Ruto, opposition leader Raila Odinga, Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi were among the dignitaries present.
This year’s gathering was not just ceremonial—it was a clarion call for national renewal. Here are seven key issues that emerged from the breakfast, each demanding urgent attention from Kenya’s leadership.
Healing Political Divides and Rebuilding Trust
Speaker Moses Wetang’ula emphasized the need to “rise above political polarisation” and rebuild trust in public institutions. His remarks echoed the broader sentiment that Kenya’s political class must prioritize unity over division.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi reinforced this message, stating, “Rise and Rebuild is not just a theme; it is a vision that urges us to rise above political polarisation, rebuild trust in our institutions, revive our economy, and restore hope in our people.”
Tackling Economic Hardship and Youth Unrest
The economic challenges facing Kenya, including high unemployment rates and inflation, were central to the discussions. The event comes at a time when the country is grappling with economic challenges, political tension, and rising youth unrest, with the organisers hoping that it could offer the country an opportunity to reflect on its past mistakes and shape future aspirations.
The presence of youth leaders and activists underscored the urgency of addressing these issues. The event comes at a time when the country is grappling with economic challenges, political tension, and rising youth unrest, with the organisers hoping that it could offer the country an opportunity to reflect on its past mistakes and shape future aspirations.
Promoting Interfaith Unity and Inclusion During National Prayer Breakfast
Reflecting Kenya’s religious diversity, the breakfast featured prayers and readings from multiple faiths. Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan read from the Quran, Sujantha Kotamraju presented Hindu Vedic scriptures, and Mbeere South MP Benard Muriuki led a prayer for Africa. This inclusive approach highlighted the importance of interfaith dialogue in national cohesion.
Empowering Women in Leadership
A significant pre-event, the Women’s Convention, focused on fostering leadership, inclusion, and empowerment among female lawmakers. Co-chairs of the Parliamentary Christian Women Caucus, Naomi Waqo and Senator Veronica Maina, emphasized the transformative power of women’s prayer and leadership. Senator Maina stated, “When women pray, things move. It is not business as usual.”
Land and Housing Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome urged women leaders to transcend political divisions and work together to uplift communities and improve livelihoods.
Addressing Corruption and Ethical Leadership
The theme “Rise and Rebuild” also served as a call to combat corruption and promote ethical leadership. The event comes at a time when the country is grappling with economic challenges, political tension, and rising youth unrest, with the organisers hoping that it could offer the country an opportunity to reflect on its past mistakes and shape future aspirations.
The presence of religious leaders and their messages underscored the need for moral integrity in public service. The event comes at a time when the country is grappling with economic challenges, political tension, and rising youth unrest, with the organisers hoping that it could offer the country an opportunity to reflect on its past mistakes and shape future aspirations.
Strengthening National Unity and Identity
The breakfast served as a platform to reinforce national unity and identity. The event comes at a time when the country is grappling with economic challenges, political tension, and rising youth unrest, with the organisers hoping that it could offer the country an opportunity to reflect on its past mistakes and shape future aspirations.
The event comes at a time when the country is grappling with economic challenges, political tension, and rising youth unrest, with the organisers hoping that it could offer the country an opportunity to reflect on its past mistakes and shape future aspirations.
Fostering Moral and Spiritual Renewal
The overarching theme of the National Prayer Breakfast emphasized the need for moral and spiritual renewal. NFL star-turned-pastor Rickey Bolden delivered a keynote address, urging Kenyans to embrace purpose and compassion. He stated, “Kenya stands at a historic juncture. This gathering is a divine opportunity to rise from complacency and shine with purpose and compassion.”
The 2025 National Prayer Breakfast was more than a ceremonial gathering; it was a pivotal moment for Kenya to reflect on its challenges and chart a path forward. The seven key issues highlighted—political unity, economic hardship, interfaith inclusion, women’s empowerment, ethical leadership, national identity, and moral renewal—serve as a roadmap for the nation’s leaders and citizens alike.
The messages from this year’s national prayer breakfast provide a foundation for collective action and hope.
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