Government Urged to Institutionalize Chaplaincy Services as NACC Conference Concludes

By Mbung Harrison

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

The government has been called upon to recognize and institutionalize chaplaincy services across all sectors.

This came as National Association of Christian Chaplains (NACC) stressed the critical role chaplains play in promoting mental health, ethical values, and national cohesion.

Speaking at the 16th Annual Conference in Mombasa, Major George Wagaya Odhiambo, events and publicity committee chair, underscored the need for structured support systems that integrate chaplaincy into public institutions, particularly in schools and community frameworks.

“Chaplaincy is no longer optional in today’s society. It is a necessary pillar in addressing the moral, psychological, and social challenges facing our nation,” he said.

The chair urged the government to partner with chaplains in advancing mental health awareness, ethical leadership, and national unity.

Among the key recommendations was the establishment of formal frameworks to enable trained chaplains to be absorbed into institutions, alongside improving coordination and communication of chaplaincy activities at county, regional, and national levels.

The conference, described as a strategic and prophetic gathering, brought together chaplains and stakeholders to reflect on emerging societal challenges and the evolving role of spiritual care in modern contexts.

Participants also called on educational institutions to integrate chaplaincy into holistic learner development and allocate budgets to support chaplaincy programs.

Collaboration between chaplaincy and counseling departments was highlighted as essential in addressing rising youth challenges.

Media organizations were urged to promote responsible communication and amplify narratives that foster unity and truth, while also providing platforms to highlight chaplaincy initiatives across the country.

Faith-based organizations were not left out, with calls to strengthen chaplaincy training and enhance discipleship efforts, particularly in navigating the complexities of the digital age.

At the community level, members of the public were encouraged to embrace values of respect, dialogue, and responsible digital engagement, as well as support the restoration of strong family structures for long-term societal stability.

On his part, Hassan Kinyua Omari, chair of the Muslim professional league Africa (MUPLA) said the conference also focused on strengthening chaplaincy practice by equipping professionals with contemporary skills, including digital ministry, online pastoral care, and trauma-informed crisis response.

As the gathering concluded, stakeholders expressed optimism that the resolutions would position chaplaincy as a key driver in addressing the ethical and social challenges of the modern era.