The Bible Society of Kenya hosted a life changing conference for the youth aimed at empowering youth to become leaders of today through the forum of African Biblical Leadership Initiative (ABLI).

ABLI is a dynamic forum for change in the African society. It applies Biblical principles to empower and inspire leaders of all backgrounds to address specific challenges within their communities, as well as providing an opportunity for networking and exchanging ideas on a wide range of issues pertinent to African cultures.

The gathering brought together youth from diverse walks of life including universities, colleges and Churches who came to be empowered with knowledge and skills from the dynamic speakers with expertise in various fields from entrepreneurship, corporate leadership, politics and religion. The major topic of the day was leadership from the perspectives of leading with the heart, leading with the mind and leading with the hands. The Speakers included Rev. Gibson Anduvate, Senior Pastor International Christian Centre, Pastor Gerald Gichanga, Ripples International, Ms. Dominicah Gakii, Price Waterhouse Coopers, Ms. Caren Wakoli from Emerging Leaders Foundation and Mr. Anthony Mwangi (Mr. Tee).

Last year, Bible Society of Kenya held a four-day forum themed: Transforming Leadership in Africa, which was officially opened by His Excellency the Deputy President Hon. William Ruto and hosted at the Kenya School of Government. H.E. Hon Ruto applauded efforts by BSK and the African Biblical Leadership Initiative to not only congregate leaders from diverse parts of the continent, but to inspire and promote integrity in contemporary leadership. He added that values of integrity, stewardship and diversity resonate well with our national values.

The General Secretary Mrs. Elizabeth Muriuki appreciated all the participants for attending the forum noting that we are all leaders wherever we are. She also noted that BSK is partnering with young leaders to develop a network of people who will bring change in our society. She added that the Bible should bring us together as brothers and sisters hence we should strive to be peace ambassadors in our areas of influence.

A day before the ABLI youth conference, BSK gathered about 50 youth and staff members to exercise their leadership skills by planting trees at the Ngong Forest Sanctuary. The youth were drawn from various Universities who expressed their joy in planting trees as they felt they were contributing towards being good stewards of the environment. The Universities represented were Kenyatta University, Mount Kenya University, Moi University and Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology. BSK will continue to engage and empower the youth so as to equip them to adequately face life challenges both now and in the future.

Present at the tree planting event was Dr. Mohammed Girma the International Advocacy Officer from the British and Foreign Bible Societies who was pleased to be part of the great movement of impacting young leaders. He noted that youth empowerment is part of ABLI’s thematic areas noting that he has a passion to see the youth bring positive transformation in society. The Head of Business Development Mr. Thomas Tharao spoke about Bible work noting that the tree planting activity was a way of giving back to the community as well as replenishing the raw materials from which Bibles are printed.

Some of the quotes by the keynote speakers

“Prioritize growth over income. Never monetize your gifting”- Rev. Gibson Anduvate

Faithfulness in one season opens a door in another season – Rev. Gibson Anduvate

“You cannot lead others if you cannot lead yourself”- Mr. T. Kenya

You have to unlearn what you grew up learning especially if it’s a hindrance to your purpose in life.”- Dominicah Gakii

“Authority flows from our relationship with God.”-Pst. Gerald Gichanga

“What is that one thing that you are good at? Pursue it.”- Ms. Caren Wakoli