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The Hydropower Boom in Africa: A Green Energy Revolution Africa is tapping into its immense hydropower potential, ushering in an era of renewable energy. With monumental projects like Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and the Inga Dams in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the continent is gearing up to address its energy demands sustainably while driving economic growth.
Northern Kenya is a region rich in resources, cultural diversity, and strategic trade potential, yet it remains underutilized in the national development agenda.
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Ordained a deacon in December 1985 and a priest in April 1987 for the Archdiocese of Mombasa, Bishop Lagho immersed himself in parish work and educational leadership. He served as a parish vicar and later took on the roles of youth and vocations director.
These early roles were marked by direct interaction with young people and the faithful in coastal Kenya, where he laid the groundwork for a pastoral style rooted in empathy and intellectual guidance.
His leadership extended into the academic realm when he was appointed rector of multiple seminaries, including those in Kwale and Bungoma. His stewardship in seminarian formation helped shape future priests with a strong sense of discipline, doctrinal integrity, and pastoral responsibility.
His appointment as Vicar General of the Mombasa Archdiocese reflected his rising stature within the Kenyan Church, as he became the Archbishop’s principal deputy, managing both spiritual and administrative matters.
In December 2020, Pope Francis appointed Willybard Lagho as Bishop of Malindi, and he was consecrated in March 2021. The Diocese of Malindi spans a vast geographical area along Kenya’s coastline, home to a complex cultural and religious tapestry.
Here, Bishop Lagho has been at the forefront of fostering peace and spiritual direction in a region often grappling with religious and social tensions. Under his episcopacy, the diocese has expanded its outreach in education, youth empowerment, and social justice advocacy.
Bishop Lagho’s reputation as a peacebuilder and dialogue facilitator precedes his episcopal appointment. He chaired the Coast Interfaith Council of Clerics, where he worked closely with Muslim, Hindu, and traditional African religious leaders to de-escalate tensions and promote mutual understanding, particularly in the wake of violent extremism and social unrest. He has also led the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya, a national platform that fosters collaboration among faiths for societal transformation.
Within the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), Bishop Lagho has chaired the Commission for Inter-religious Dialogue and Ecumenism, a role in which he has guided national policy on how the Church engages with other faith communities. His extensive experience and moral clarity in handling interfaith issues have made him a reliable figure in delicate national conversations.
On July 4, 2025, Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop Lagho to the Vatican Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue—an esteemed administrative arm of the Roman Curia tasked with fostering relationships between the Catholic Church and non-Christian religions.
His role involves providing theological and practical input in crafting the Church’s approach to religious pluralism globally. He now joins an elite cadre of religious leaders who advise the Holy See on interreligious engagement, particularly as it relates to the promotion of peace, justice, and human dignity.
This appointment is not merely ceremonial. It acknowledges Bishop Lagho’s profound understanding of Islam, his on-the-ground experience in managing religious conflict, and his academic credentials in comparative religion. His insights from the Kenyan coast, a region that often reflects the complexities of global religious tensions, are expected to enrich the Vatican’s global dialogue initiatives.
Bishop Lagho’s leadership is not confined to conference halls or ecclesiastical ceremonies. He has frequently demonstrated solidarity with vulnerable communities—visiting displaced persons, advocating for fair worship spaces, and participating in community peacebuilding events. Notably, he has stood against the politicization of religious spaces, warning against the tendency of political leaders to demand special treatment in places of worship.
He has promoted inclusive interfaith events, including Iftar meals during Ramadan, and called for cooperation between religious leaders to address issues affecting youth, such as crime, unemployment, and radicalization. He emphasizes that faith-based dialogue should not remain abstract but must be grounded in the lived realities of the people.
Bishop Willybard Kitogho Lagho’s life journey is a rare fusion of theology, diplomacy, and pastoral care. He embodies the Catholic Church’s vision of universal fraternity—rooted in doctrinal fidelity but open to meaningful dialogue with other faith traditions. In an age where religion is often used as a dividing line, Bishop Lagho stands as a steady bridge across divides, using intellect, compassion, and spiritual leadership to guide both the Church and society toward peace.
His service to Kenya, the broader African continent, and now the global Church affirms his role not just as a bishop of a coastal diocese, but as a global steward of interreligious harmony.
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