Anglican Church of Kenya Mombasa Diocese has been challenged to make use of its idle land to diversify its income sources.
The church has massive landholdings across the diocese which can be put to productive use to enable it meet its financial obligations, according to a diocesan synod member, Dr. Japheth Muthoka.
Dr. Muthoka said proper utilization of church-owned properties was among the objectives of the recently unveiled diocesan strategic plan under its social pillar.
He said the plan aims at achieving transformational development that impacts spiritual, social and economic well-being of church members.
“We must start asking ourselves, what we should do with our land and other properties. We have, as a church, to start thinking outside the box to find investment opportunities,” he said while briefing worshippers on the highlights of the strategic plan at St. Michael ACK Church in Kwale County.
He said the land can be used for a variety of income generating projects, including the establishment of educational institutions, such as a university.
Dr. Muthoka noted that the diocese has thousands of either unused or underutilized properties in Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi, adding that it should borrow a leaf from its upcountry counterparts on how to come up with business and investment ideas.
He gave the example of the ACK Memorial Cathedral in Mombasa, saying it had potential of being turned into a tourist attraction which largely remains untapped.
The church is oftenly faulted by its members for over-reliance on dwindling offerings and tithe as it continues to sit on an under-used land for years, while its financial status remains wanting.
By James Muchai
Church urged to use idle land to raise income
