The 22nd annual Kenya National Prayer Breakfast (KNPB), themed ‘Rise and Rebuild’, is ongoing at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi.

The interdenominational gathering has been graced by President William Ruto, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, as well as Cabinet Secretaries.

The event emphasises reconciliation, national unity, and shared responsibility among leaders, bringing together political and religious leaders from across the country, along with members of the public.

The annual event encourages leaders to reflect on their roles and privileges before God, regardless of political or religious affiliations, and to prioritise the nation’s well-being.

The event holds great significance in Kenya’s calendar as it promotes national unity, reconciliation, and spiritual reflection among the country’s leaders.

Held under the auspices of the speakers of the National Assembly and Senate and organised by a volunteer committee, it has become a significant platform for reflection and dialogue in Kenya since its inception in 2003. Below is detailed information about the prayer breakfast since its inception.

The history of KNPB

The KNPB traces its roots to the U.S. National Prayer Breakfast, which began in 1953 and inspired similar events globally.

The idea was introduced to Kenya in 1986 when a small group of individuals, including former Cabinet Member Isaac Omollo Okero, met for prayer in his office. This laid the groundwork for prayer gatherings among Kenyan leaders.

In 1987, Kalonzo Musyoka, then Assistant Minister and Deputy Speaker, attended the 34th U.S. National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C.

The following year, in 1988, Speaker Moses Keino, intrigued by the U.S. event’s ability to unite political adversaries and non-church leaders in prayer, began exploring ways to replicate this in Kenya.

These early efforts led to the formation of small parliamentary prayer groups, such as the Boulevard Group, and meetings at Muthaiga Country Club, which included prominent figures like Kalonzo Musyoka, Raila Odinga, and Moses Keino.

The political stability following the 2002 Kenyan general elections, which marked a peaceful transition of power, provided a conducive environment for these prayer groups to consolidate their efforts.

The Bunge Fellowship and other small breakfast groups merged to organise the first official Kenya National Prayer Breakfast. Kalonzo Musyoka, who later became the Wiper Party leader, was appointed chairman of the organising committee.

The inaugural KNPB took place in 2003, initially planned for the first Saturday before Madaraka Day (June 1) but rescheduled to the last Thursday of May to align with Kenya’s national calendar.

Held at a modest scale with a few hundred attendees, the event aimed to unite leaders in prayer and reflection, emphasising national unity and ethical leadership.

Over time, its popularity grew, necessitating larger venues to accommodate thousands of attendees, with the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi becoming the traditional location.