The Holy See, Pope Francis, has appointed Lieutenant Colonel and Reverend Father John Njue Njeru as the new Apostolic administrator of the Military Ordinariate in Kenya.

The appointment of Mons. Njue, was made public on Tuesday, January 30 during a meeting with the  Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) The introduction of Monsignor Njeru was done by the KCCB chairman Most Rev. Martin Kivuva at the Catholic Secretariate, Waumini House.

Born on July 3, 1972, and ordained a Priest for the Catholic Diocese of Embu in April 2002, Monsignor Njeru has an extensive background in military and pastoral service. His service in the Catholic Church has been marked by a series of significant milestones.

Early Life and Ordination:

Monsignor Njeru’s spiritual journey began with his baptism at Nguviu Parish on August 5, 1972, followed by confirmation at the same parish on March 3, 1982. His dedication to the ministry became evident on May 17, 1997, when he took on the role of Acolyte at Sacred Heart – Kyeni Parish. Later, on August 24, 2001, he was ordained a deacon and served at St. John the Baptist – Kirie Parish. Taking a step further in his commitment, he was ordained as a priest on April 6, 2002, continuing his service at St. John the Baptist – Kirie Parish.

Educational Background:

Monsignor Njeru completed his KCSE at Nguviu Boys High School from 1988 to 1991. Subsequently, he earned degrees and diplomas in Philosophical and Religious Studies (1993-1994) and Theological Studies (1995-2000) from Urbaniana University. His educational pursuits also include a Higher Diploma in Psychological Counseling (2008-2009) from KEMU College and a Master’s degree in Social Ministry (2016-2018) from Tangaza University College. Notably, he holds a certificate in Military Ethics and Integrity from the Jordanian Military School (2015) and attended a Leadership Conference at St Mary’s University, Twickenham, United Kingdom, in 2022.

Military and Pastoral Assignments:

Monsignor Njeru’s diverse roles include serving as the Military Ordinariate of Kenya Biblical Pastoral Ministry Coordinator from September 2003 to July 2023. His contributions as Staff Officer – Class 2 (SO2) from January 2008 to September 2011 involved coordinating operations at the Military Ordinariate secretariat, facilitating planning, implementation, and monitoring of pastoral programs, and overseeing recruitment and training of pastoral agents.

He succeeds Very Rev. Mons. Benjamin Kituto Maswili, who has retired from service in the military after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60.

Congratulations Padre in your appointment. All the best.