Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit, the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK), has intensified his calls for the government to address what he describes as serious economic, social, governance and political challenges facing Kenyans. His latest remarks, made in September 2026, have placed renewed attention on the relationship between religious institutions, the government and citizens, particularly as Kenya approaches the 2027 General Election. 

Speaking during the Anglican Church of Kenya's Standing Committee of the Provincial Synod, Archbishop Sapit delivered a strong message concerning the direction of the country. He said Kenya was facing difficulties in areas including the economy, healthcare, taxation, unemployment and public accountability. The Archbishop called on citizens to demand accountability from government leaders while urging those in authority to respond to the concerns affecting ordinary Kenyans. 

Concerns over the economy

One of the major issues raised by Archbishop Sapit is the state of the Kenyan economy. He expressed concern about unemployment, rising living costs, struggling businesses and the increasing tax burden on citizens.

According to reports on his September 24 remarks, Sapit said it was necessary for Kenyans to acknowledge the economic difficulties being experienced and demand action. He questioned why citizens were paying taxes while many continued to experience economic hardship and questioned whether public resources were being used effectively. 

The Archbishop's comments come at a time when economic issues are expected to feature prominently in public discussions ahead of the 2027 elections. The cost of living, employment opportunities, taxation and the ability of small businesses to survive are among the issues that affect households directly.

His message to the government was therefore centred on accountability and the need to demonstrate how public resources are being used to improve the lives of citizens. He urged leaders to pay attention to the challenges ordinary Kenyans are experiencing rather than concentrating primarily on political competition.

Concerns about taxation

Taxation was another important part of Archbishop Sapit's criticism.

The Archbishop questioned the situation in which Kenyans continue to face taxation while many citizens remain concerned about the quality and availability of public services. Reports of his remarks indicate that he questioned what citizens were receiving in return for the taxes they were paying. 

The issue of taxation has been politically and economically sensitive in Kenya. The government has defended its revenue measures as necessary for financing public services and reducing fiscal pressures, while critics have argued that increased taxation places additional pressure on households and businesses.

Sapit did not limit his message to taxation itself. His broader argument was about the relationship between taxes, public expenditure and accountability. His remarks suggest that citizens expect greater transparency and tangible improvements in public services when they contribute revenue to the government.

Health sector and SHA

Healthcare was among the strongest areas of concern raised by the Archbishop.

Sapit criticised problems affecting the country's health sector and specifically raised concerns about the Social Health Authority, commonly known as SHA. He said that persistent challenges in healthcare were causing suffering to citizens and questioned the effectiveness of the system. Citizen Digital reported that he said, "SHA isn't working; the health sector is in shambles." 

The criticism is significant because SHA is central to the government's healthcare reform agenda. The system was introduced as part of efforts to expand access to healthcare and replace the previous National Hospital Insurance Fund framework.

For the government, the Archbishop's criticism represents a call to address problems experienced by patients, healthcare providers and other stakeholders. For citizens, the debate is particularly important because healthcare is an essential service, and problems with insurance registration, claims, payments or access can directly affect families.

Sapit's position therefore placed healthcare among the areas where he believes government action and accountability are required.

Religious schools and proposed legislation

Archbishop Sapit also raised concerns about a Bill that he said could affect schools managed by religious organisations.

According to reports, he said the Anglican Church was concerned about legislation that would give the government greater control over religious-managed schools. He called on Members of Parliament to reject the proposed changes. 

Religious organisations have historically played an important role in Kenya's education sector. Churches and other faith-based organisations sponsor or manage numerous schools, and their leaders have therefore taken an interest in legislation affecting those institutions.

The disagreement illustrates a broader question about the respective roles of the government and religious organisations in education. The government has responsibility for regulating education nationally, while religious organisations have historically contributed infrastructure, management and values-based education.

Sapit's message was that changes affecting religious-managed institutions should be considered carefully and should involve consultation with the affected faith organisations.

Call for government accountability

A central theme of Archbishop Sapit's remarks is accountability.

He urged Kenyans to hold government leaders accountable over the country's economic and social conditions. His intervention places responsibility not only on elected leaders but also on citizens to participate in public affairs and demand explanations concerning government decisions.

The Archbishop's comments are consistent with his broader public position that religious leaders should speak on matters affecting the welfare of society. The ACK has previously raised concerns about governance, human rights, political violence and the use of young people in political confrontations.

His latest comments therefore form part of a continuing pattern of church intervention in national affairs rather than being an isolated statement.

Political temperatures and the 2027 election

Another major issue in Sapit's recent statements is the political environment ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The Archbishop has warned against ethnic mobilisation, political violence, inflammatory statements and the use of young people in political confrontations. The Standard reported that he called for political leaders to lower the political temperature and urged security agencies to enforce the law impartially. 

He also called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to make preparations for elections that are free, fair, transparent, credible and verifiable. 

This follows earlier comments in which Sapit urged Kenyans to reject divisive politics. During the centenary celebrations of St Luke's Cathedral in Kitale, he said Kenyans should judge leaders by their vision, policies and commitment to the common good rather than by ethnic loyalty. 

His message to the government and political leaders is therefore that the 2027 electoral period should not become a source of violence or division.

Warning against political violence

Sapit has also spoken strongly against violence during political gatherings.

In September, he warned politicians against using violence or loss of life as a route to political power. He urged leaders to organise peaceful political meetings and discouraged the mobilisation of groups for the purpose of creating disorder. 

The Archbishop has additionally expressed concern about the alleged targeting of journalists and the shrinking of civic space. The Standard reported that he condemned the alleged abduction of journalist Alex Kiprotich and warned that political intolerance and attacks on freedom of expression could undermine Kenya's democratic environment. 

These statements place freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and political tolerance among the issues that Sapit wants government institutions to protect.

Security agencies and rule of law

Sapit has called for security agencies to operate impartially and within the law.

The church's concern is that political violence and intimidation can undermine public confidence in institutions responsible for protecting citizens. His call for impartial enforcement is particularly relevant during an election period because security agencies are expected to protect citizens regardless of political affiliation.

He has also previously criticised the government's response following an attack at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi. Reports said he wanted those responsible for the incident, as well as anyone who may have sponsored it, to face investigation and prosecution. 

Relationship between the church and government

Archbishop Sapit's intervention also highlights the important role religious institutions play in Kenya's social and public life.

The government itself has previously recognised religious organisations as important partners in providing social services. In 2023, President William Ruto said faith-based organisations were important partners in healthcare and education and noted their contribution to social services. 

This makes the current criticism particularly significant. Religious organisations are not only observers of government policy; they also operate schools, healthcare facilities and community programmes.

Consequently, disagreements between religious leaders and government officials can affect important areas of public policy while also providing another avenue through which citizens' concerns reach national leaders.

Sapit's message to political leaders

Beyond criticism, Sapit's recent statements contain a broader message to political leaders: focus on citizens rather than political confrontation.

He has urged leaders to provide responsible leadership and avoid rhetoric that can divide communities. He has also encouraged Kenyans to examine the policies and records of leaders rather than allowing ethnic identity to determine political choices. 

This position is especially relevant as political mobilisation increases ahead of the 2027 election. The Archbishop's emphasis has been on peace, accountability, responsible leadership and the protection of democratic institutions.

What the government faces

The concerns raised by Archbishop Sapit touch on several responsibilities of government: managing the economy, collecting and spending public revenue, providing healthcare, regulating education, protecting citizens, safeguarding freedom of expression and ensuring peaceful elections.

Whether one agrees with every criticism or not, his statements highlight issues that are already part of Kenya's public debate. The government's response to such concerns is likely to remain important as the country approaches the next general election.

The government has its own policy explanations and development agenda, including infrastructure, healthcare reforms and economic measures. Sapit's comments represent the perspective of the Anglican Church and should therefore be understood as a faith-based institutional assessment rather than as an independent measurement of every government programme.