Church seeks Sh100mn contribution for Pope’s visit

The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops has called on Kenyans to contribute funds towards the preparations for the Papal visit this month and the legacy projects that will be undertaken thereafter.

Right Reverend Alfred Rotich, Chairman of the Pope’s visit secretariat said the MPesa paybill number to use is 405060 with the bishops targeting to raise Sh100 million.

Some contributions have already been received from Corporate entities but the amount raised so far will be announced on Tuesday once the funds received have been consolidated.

Rotich also requested each Catholic Parish to send three buses of parishioners for the mass which will be celebrated with Pope Francis at the University of Nairobi during his visit.

In a joint briefing with Rotich, State House Spokesperson Manoah Esipisu said preparations for the Holy Father’s visit were 80 percent concluded.

He said the Traffic Commandant would in the coming week make known how the millions expected to attend the mass that will be celebrated at the University of Nairobi, will access the venue.

“We do expect that Police will designate drop-off zones so that those who wish to attend mass can make their way with the minimum of fuss,” he said.

Rotich said the church was also well on its way to being ready for Pope Francis’ visit.

“Preparations for the altar and podium for the mass and all venues to be visited by the Holy Father are on course. The choirs that will sing during the papal mass are practicing in different parishes all over the country and the registration of the young people who will spend time with Holy Father is almost concluded,” he reported.

And to ready itself, Rotich called on the Kenyan public to join in national prayers.