A New Dawn for Kamtonga Community, As new parish is unveiled

For over 135 years since the first Catholic church was established in Mombasa. Kamtonga, a village in Mwatate, Taita Taveta County, lacked the luxury of celebrating regular Holy Mass and had to travel for miles or wait until the end of the month, sometimes up to three months for them to have a Holy mass at their sub parish. However, this changed upon a call to the Assumptionist Fathers by His Most High Rev. Martin Kivuva of the achdiocese of mombasa, to take upon the leadership of the sub parish that eventually transformed it into a complete parish.

Truly, Kamtonga village is a community in transition, where faith has become the new beacon of hope and the guiding light on a journey towards a brighter future. For years, this community endured without the physical presence of a church. Every Sunday, Catholic faithful would gather under the shade of a tree, overcoming their environmental challenges and situational barriers, to unite in belief and celebrate the Holy Mass. Little did they know, the sounds of their prayers echoed through the open air, mingling with the calls of wild birds and the howling wind as they ascended to the heavens, were soon to be answered! The distance between them and the blessings of regular Mass was evident. lt was only a matter of time before, the fruits of their prayers and blessings sent from above would descend upon them.

Those seeking the comfort of daily services had to trek long distances, covering tens of miles to Bura, a grueling journey that stood as a clear testament to their deep faith and unwavering devotion. Yet, despite all the challenges, their spirit never wavered, not even for a second.

But today, the story of Kamtonga has taken a remarkable turn. A new chapter has been written with the establishment of St. James Catholic Church Kamtonga Parish  on the 28th of December 2024. This is not just a building; it is a sacred parish, a space that represents a meaningful shift in the community’s spiritual and social life. St. James Catholic Church now stands proudly as a symbol of hope, perseverance, and a community united by the strength of their faith.The church is more than just a physical structure; it is a sanctuary for spiritual growth, a place where hearts find healing, and souls are nourished. The parish has brought together, a sense of belonging to a community that once felt disconnected to the rest of the

world. It serves as a powerful reminder that, through faith, even the most challenging journeys can lead to remarkable outcomes.

The arrival of St. James Catholic Church has not only provided a place of worship but has become the foundation of unity, peace, and a safe haven where one can renew his faith. It is a testament to the resilience of the Kamtonga community, whose unwavering hope now shines brighter than ever. The parish has become a symbol of strength that comes from faith, the power of unity, and the boundless grace that has been poured unto this humble village.

Residents spoke with deep gratitude about how the church’s presence has profoundly strengthened their spiritual lives, nurturing a deeper, more intimate connection to their faith. For many, it has become a source of guidance and hope, offering not just a place for worship, but a sanctuary for the soul. But, even as their spirits are being uplifted, the community faces daunting challenges that cast a heavy shadow of burden over their everyday lives. The region is plagued by widespread poverty, the weight of financial hardship pressing down on every home in the area. Mining, though a dangerous industry, has become the primary source of income for many. In search of a quick relief from their struggles, Many youth are lured out of the classroom by the promise of easy money from the mines.

“Little do they know, that they are trading their futures for immediate earnings, which are meager and barely enough to meet their basic needs, abandoning their education which elevates them closer to their dreams, in exchange for the harsh realities of the earth’s depths where difficulties and dangers they face are imminent. This desperate pursuit of survival has led to a tragic rise in school dropout rates, leaving a generation at risk of losing its future. Even more heart-wrenching and very devastating, is the alarming rise in early marriages. Young girls, barely stepping into their teenage years who are still on the edge of adolescence, with dreams which are so bright and futures full of promise, are thrown into roles that rob them of their childhood. These are children who should be in classrooms, hoving around the playgrounds in laughter, yet they still find themselves carrying the weight of responsibilities far beyond their years. truly, It is a tragic reminder of the words of Malala Yousafzai: ‘We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.’ These girls are not just losing their childhood but their future as well; they are being denied their right to dream, to learn, and to thrive, despite this challenges. Sadly, each early marriage is a stolen future. A silent tragedy in the making in a world that can avert it and do better. These heartbreaking realities paint a vivid picture of how Kamtonga community is torn between hope and despair, striving for a better future while grappling with the chains of poverty, together with missed and lost opportunities for their future generation.

It goes without say, here, education is a privilege, not a guarantee. With only one secondary school, located miles away, children are forced to walk long distances, braving the threat of wildlife like elephants and pythons as Fr. Jacob explained to Younib Tv.

“We are talking of only one known secondary school called Manoah and you can imagine young people going to secondary school walking over 30km just to look for a school ploughing through all this bushes where they are invaded with elephants and pythons”, Despite their unwavering determination, their path to education is riddled with lots of obstacles and danger. Each step they take towards a brighter future is shadowed by lurking dangers of exploitation, exhaustion, and societal expectations, not to mention the looming danger of wildlife. For these children, the journey to school is not just a physical one, but a battle against the odds, a fight to claim what is basically theirs, the basic right to learn and dream beyond their wildest imaginations just like other children. Their courage to traverse the bush is nothing short of heroic, serving as a stark reminder to the world, that, while education should be a basic right, for many, it remains a fragile privilege and as Nelson Mandela once said, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. Unfortunately, for these children, the struggle to attain that weapon is a battle they must fight every day.

Access to water has long been an uphill battle for the Kamtonga community, a struggle that weighed heavily on every household. Clean water was a distant dream, a need so basic, but normally so unattainable, with families enduring endless hardships just to quench their thirst and meet their daily needs. But then, the parish stepped in, transforming that dream into a reality by digging a well that now flows with life-giving water in the community. This act of compassion has not only quenched their thirst but has also lifted a tremendous burden, offering a renewed sense of hope. The well stands as a powerful symbol of the church’s unwavering commitment to be a pillar of strength in this community. Still, despite these moments of triumph, the people of Kamtonga face challenges that are far from over. And with the church as their guiding light and a source of boundless inspiration, they remain steadfast and committed in their determination to overcome the hardships that life has placed before them. Their dream is not just survival, it’s a future filled with opportunity, where more schools will rise, where youth will have the tools to break free from the chains of poverty, and where the cycle of hardship will finally come to an end. And with the new St. James Catholic Church Kamtonga Parish in place, the community can now fill their dreams one step away with some already living their dream due to amenities brought by, by the church such as the borehole.

St. James Catholic Church Kamtonga Parish is not only a source of spiritual guidance but also a catalyst for change in the community. The church is planning on introducing several transformative projects aimed at empowering the youth and uplifting the entire village in future. One of the key initiatives is a farming project aimed at helping the youth of Kamtonga gain practical skills and a reliable source of income. Through this initiative, the church hopes to create opportunities for self-reliance, allowing the youth to break free from the cycle of poverty and build a better future for themselves, their families and the community at large.

In addition to this, the church is enroute to establish a health facility to address the critical issue of access to medical services. For years, residents of Kamtonga have had to travel long distances to receive basic healthcare, but with a new facility in place, the community will have an easy access to vital health services. This initiative will tend to ease the burden on families and improve the overall health within Kamtonga. Furthermore, a school is set to be opened in the future under the parish, providing children with the education they deserve. This school will not only reduce the distances children have to travel but also empower them to achieve their dreams and escape the limitations imposed by their circumstances. These projects mark a turning point for Kamtonga, offering hope and tangible solutions for a brighter, more sustainable future.

As Kamtonga stands on the verge of a new era, the seeds of hope and transformation are taking root, thanks to the unwavering faith and determination of its people, along with the steadfast support of St. James Catholic Church. This humble community, once burdened by a harsh reality of struggle, isolation, and hardship, is now witnessing the fruits of its perseverance. Through the power of faith, unity, and the church’s transformative initiatives, Kamtonga is not just surviving, it is beginning to thrive.

The journey is far from over, but the light of hope that shines through the church’s presence serves as a beacon, guiding the way towards a brighter and a more prosperous future for the generations to come. The people of Kamtonga have learned that while challenges may persist, there is no obstacle too great when a community stands together in the strength of its faith. Their dreams, once distant, are now within their reach, and with the continued support of the parish, their aspirations will continue to take flight. The story of Kamtonga is a powerful reminder that with resilience, faith, and the courage to embrace change, even the most challenging paths can lead to remarkable new beginnings. Truly, in the hearts of Kamtonga community, lies deep within special thanks, to the catholic church (St. James Catholic Church) the Assumptionist Parish, led by the Congregation of the Augustinians of the Assumption.