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STORY of Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya (AOSK)
Fifty Years of dedicated service to Church and Society 1962 - 2012
Compiled by Sr. Marie Therese Gacambi ASN
PREAMBLE
The Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya (AOSK) is an ecclesiastical organization of Pontifical
right, which directly relates to the Holy See under the Congregation for Institutes of Religious
Life and Societies of Apostolic Life that oversees issues related to religious life worldwide.The
Association is also a recognized Statutory Body in the Republic of Kenya.
Celebrating Fifty years (half a century) is a great gift of God’s goodness for consecrated religious
women whose life of dedication is in service of the church and the whole of humanity.
This story of the Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya (AOSK) whose membership are
Congregations of Catholic Religious women serving in Kenya, is divided into five (5) periods:
1. 1962 - 1972 Beginnings
2. 1972 - 1982 Inter-Congregational solidarity
3. 1982 - 1992 Growing towards Maturity
4. 1992 – 2002 Challenges of Evangelization in a world of change
5. 2002 - 2012 Moving towards the Future with Hope
AOSK whose humble beginnings go back to 1960’s with a membership of 10 Congregations
celebrates fifty years with 150 Congregations whose members are engaged in a variety of
ministries throughout Kenya. Of the Four Ecclesiastical Provinces of Kenya: Nairobi, Kisumu,
Nyeri and Mombassa, there is an AOSK District Unit in each Diocese which brings together the
sisters serving in the Diocese. The decision makers are the Major Superiors of
Congregations/Institutes or their representatives through Annual General Meetings. The
Association has three main Centers: Tumaini, Imara JPC and Chemchemi Ya Uzima. The
Secretariat is situated in Tumaini Centre off Ngong Road, on Elgeyo Marakwet and Chemchemi
Ya Uzima is in Nairobi West, Bogani Road, Karen. AOSK Justice and Peace Commission is
situated in Westlands and will soon be re-located to Tumaini Centre. In addition to the centre
AOSK has 25 Diocesan Unit commonly referred to as District Unit.

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Aim of AOSK
The threefold aim of AOSK is
• Promote the spiritual welfare and development of Religious Women in Kenya
• Foster communication and co-operation among member institutes through meetings
and programmes with due regard for their autonomy and different charisms
• Promote collaboration among religious women as we work in collaboration with Kenya
Episcopal Conference (KEC) to respond to the needs of the people of Kenya.
Objectives
• Come together as a united group to improve and promote spiritual and apostolic
effectiveness
• address issues of concern within the member Congregation, the Church and country
• equip religious women with skills for ministry and leadership through programmes,
workshops and seminars
• encourage partnership of service between men and women within the Church
• be able to speak with a unified voice in responding to issues related to justice and peace
and integrity of creation.
Mission Statement
To respond to the needs of Religious women for solid holistic formation and education at all
levels for authentic witness whilst being aware of various needs in different countries as well as
proving catechetical training.
AOSK has evolved over the span of fifty years and we look back with gratitude to God for what
has been achieved within the five decades. Each period of our Association’s life has its own
story, characteristics that contribute to what we celebrate today.
1. FIRST DECADE 1962 – 1972: BEGINNINGS
The Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya (AOSK) started in the 1960’s at the wish of the Holy See
and the felt need of the Women religious to find unity in strength through mutual
collaboration with one another.

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Kenya population at the time was 8,636,263 million with Roman Catholics being 1,754,627
(20%) (David B. Barrett (ed) 1973, Churches Handbook, p.181) Majority of the women religious
were missionaries engaged in the traditional apostolate of education, health care and pastoral
work: Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Loreto Sisters), Missionary Sisters of the Precious
Blood Sisters, Sisters of Our Lady of Africa (White Sisters), Consolata Missionary Sisters,
Franciscan Missionary Sisters for Africa, Holy Rosary Missionary Sisters, Mercy Sisters and
others.
6th
June 1962 the first meeting was held at Loreto Msongari in Nairobi and ten (10)
Congregations were represented.
The Apostolic Delegate to Kenya, His Excellency Most Rev. Guido Mestri, chaired the meeting.
His Lordship Rt. Rev. John de Reeper who was Bishop of Kisumu, represented the Kenya
Episcopal Conference, which had been entrusted with the task of establishing the Association.
Bishop de Reeper became the adviser to the Association and Liaison between it and the Kenya
Episcopal Conference.
Majority of the Bishops were also missionaries and invited religious women to participate in the
work of evangelization. The metropolitan of Nairobi was headed by Archbishop John Joseph
McCarthy of the Holy Ghost Fathers, Nyeri Bishop Cavallera of Consolata Missionaries, Kisumu
Bishop John de ReeperMill Hill Missionaries, Mombasa Bishop Eugene Butler, Kitui Bishop
William Dunne St Patrick missionaries, Lodwar Rt Rev. Msgr John Mahon St Partrick
missionaries, Ngong Bishop Colin Davies.
On 16th
September 1962 our Association was officially launched with the election of office
bearers and the approval of tentative Statutes. Those elected were:
Sr. Regis FMA Franciscan Missionary of Africa-Chairperson
Sr. Gertrude CPS Congregation of the Precious Blood-Assistant
Sr.Stanislaus IBVM Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary -Secretary
The AOSK was greatly helped by the willing cooperation of the Loreto Sisters. Their Convent at
Msongari played host to the fledgling Association from the beginning as well as putting at its
disposal a little one-roomed house on its grounds to serve as the Association’s first Office.
The first three years were spent in making contacts with members, Registration, working on the
Statutes, correspondence with International Union of Superiors General in Rome.
One of the special events was the sending of a Delegate to Rome for the First International
Meeting of Superiors General held in Rome March 1967. At the time only two African Superiors
General in Kenya: Mother Celine of Sisters of Mary Immaculate Nyeri and Mother Consolata of

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Sisters of Mary Kakamega. Mother Consolata who had recently been elected as the first African
General Superior of the Sisters of Mary travelled with the Secretary of AOSK, Sr. Consolata
O’Keafe Mercy Sisters. On their arrival in Rome they were given royal treatment.
Setting up of AOSK District Units
From the beginning the early pioneers dream was to have all religious women own the
Association at the grass roots. A number of missionary Congregations came to Kenya in 1960’s
and Journeys “safaris” were made to visit them and introduce them to AOSK. As a result of
these safaris it became clear that besides the Major Superiors meeting at set times in Nairobi, it
was necessary to hold frequent meetings open to all the Sisters at suitable venues in the
various dioceses. Centres for such meetings were set up at Loreto Msongari (Nairobi) and at
Holy Family Convent Mangu(Thika). This proved so successful that soon afterwards it was
possible to set up a centre at Loreto Convent Eldoret. The Sisters met regularly on a Sunday
afternoon for a lecture given by a priest followed by tea and sharing.
Nairobi/Thika unit first meeting held September 1966 in Thika at Holy Family Mang’u with Four
(4) Congregations: Sisters of Our Lady of Africa (White Sisters), Holy Rosary Sisters, Franciscan
Missionary Sisters of Africa (Mother Kevin) and Assumption Sisters of Nairobi.At this meeting
the main concern was social work for women and girls. Plans for existing and future work in
Mang’u and Thika town included literacy, sewing and other areas. Seminars for all Nursing
Sisters was felt as a need.
From September 1967 to June 1968 talks were given both in Nairobi and Thika which aimed “at
helping Sisters to become more aware of the challenge of renewal and adaptation of religious
life as laid down in Decree on the Adaptation and Renewal of Religious Life
(PerfectaeCaritatis, 28 October 1965) and Vatican II.” These series of lectures were based on
conferences given at the first U.I.S.G. Meeting in Rome, March 1967.
Eldoret Unit started mid-sixties organized and sustained by Loreto Sisters and later on by other
sisters - Holy Rosary Sisters, Franciscan Missionary Sisters (Mill Hill) who met every two or three
months to pray and share together on experiences in the apostolate.
Kitui Unit first meeting of the sisters took place at Rt. Rev. Bishop William Dunne’s house on 1st
October 1967 with four (4) Congregations:
• Franciscan Missionary Sisters (Muthale and Kimangao),
• Ursuline Sisters (Mutune and Mutito),
• Mercy Sisters(Mutomo)
• Assumption Sisters of Nairobi (KituiBoma).

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Reading through records we note that certain initiatives at various times sprang from
suggestions made at these sisters meetings.Formation was the major focus. One of the regular
activities of the Association at the time was the organizing of inter-congregationalretreats
during the month of August each year. These were well attended. During these spiritual
gathering members started to become more aware of the need to be more informed on how to
network with women religious of the church.
Years after Vatican II were a period of rapid change which called for a new understanding of the
religious life in the light of Vatican II. Following the directives of the Second Vatican Council,
Congregations embarked on renewal in keeping to the Gospel and their original charisms
bearing in mind “our life must be consecrated to the good of the whole Church” (LG 44). We
can say that AOSK developed (evolved) as a result of putting the directives of the
SecondVatican Council (1962-1965) into practice especially the Decree on Renewal of the
Religious Life (PerfectaeCaritatis).
1968 - 1970
During this time workshops were organized for Formation personnel, especially Novice
Mistresses. The Association responded to the needs expressed by the Sisters and offered many
opportunities for formative programmes. There was also a Vocation Week among the planned
activities to encourage vocations to religious life.
It was not an easy task to co-ordinate the Congregations whose members were struggling to
find their identity (understand their charism) and respond to the many challenges in their
apostolic involvement especially in the field of education as a result of the Kenya 1968
Education Act. Through the commitment of our AOSK pioneers, workshops for formation
personnel as well as training on Mathematics for some teachers struggling with new syllabus
were organized in 1968-1970.
The Instruction on the Renewal of the Religious Life(RenovationisCausam 1969) from Sacred
Congregation for Religious and for Secular Institutes (S C R S I), was used to help the Formators
in their formation work.
Mother Celine SMI who represented the East African Sisterhoods in 1969 and 1970 at the
U.I.S.G.states:”At these International meetings the main focus was the renewal of
Congregationsaccording to the mind of the Church” (1987 AOSK Booklet Unite We Stand p.
21).

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March 1969 the first Statutes of the Association were approved. This was a great a step in
solidifying the Governance structure of our Association and enabling it to have a legal
framework of operation. AOSK was registered as a Society in accordance with the Registration
of Societies Acts of Kenya and started to search for property to purchase for the ongoing
formation of the AOSK members hence the idea of Tumaini Centre.
1971 Sr.Claire Callahan Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur became a part time Secretary. She
was instrumental in ensuring that local Congregations were informed on documents pertaining
to the Church and religious life.Apostolic Exhortation On the Renewal of the Religious Life
According to the Teaching of the Second Vatican Council (EvangelicaTestificatio, 29 June
1971) of Pope Paul VI called religious to reflect upon the roots of religious life within the
Church.The religious are to combine contemplation with apostolic love and be faithful to the
spirit of their founders.
Formation was a major focus for AOSK membership and to respond to this
needTumainiproperty was purchased in 1972 with the help of donor friends particularly
MISSIO. Tumaini was established as a`Scholasticate’ Centre to provide Inter-congregational
programme of short courses. The formation of Formators was seen as an important factor from
the beginning and this Programme was held in Tumaini alternating with the Programme for
preparing sisters for Final Vows.
The years 1962 to 1972 were a challenge to AOSK of how to be who we are as religious women
in the Independent Kenya amidst economic and political forces. Kenya became independent in
1963. One of the instrument God uses when the life of world changes are religious and at every
major change the religious Congregations are there. There had been departures as according to
the statisticsin 1962 there were 1,012,000 Women religious and within a decade in 1972the
number reduced to 879,000 (within10 years 133,000 left).
One of the challenges for AOSK was how the local religious Congregations will run Church
institutions, schools, hospitals, formation Centres as they were few and not prepared in
management as all had been done by expatriate missionaries. There was real concern for
human and material resources as religious were leaving to join the world as a result of Vatican II
renewals.
On the other hand Missionary Congregations were coming to Kenya. For example the
Franciscan Elizabethan Sisters came in 1972 working in the Archdioceses of Nairobi and
Dioceses of Nyeri and Embu.
Vatican II had initiated a period of change- a movement into the world to be immersed among
the people and be a leaven as the religious respond to the “signs of the time, the joys and
hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of the people especially those who are poor or in any way

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afflicted” (GaudiumetSpes, 1). AOSK had to help the women religious in Kenya to play their
prophetic role, work/live together in harmony and co-operation, know each
Congregation/Institute and value the charism of the members. Communication was important
since there is no communion without communication.
Between 1962 and 1972 the few local major superiors started to realize that there was too
much dependence on expatriate leadership and faced the challenge of
Africanization/indigenization of AOSK leadership. The respective missionary Congregation
continued to assist- Sr. Claire Callahan worked as AOSK Secretary until 1979.
2.SECOND DECADE 1972 – 1982: INTER-CONGREGATION SOLIDARITY
International meetings of Superior Generals in Rome helped the local Congregations to become
aware of being a part of the wider Church and the challenges of our world regarding
evangelization, formation of members, education and so forth. The Chairperson of AOSK Sr.
Francis Therese Okondo SOM accompanied by the Secretary Sr. Claire Callahan SND
represented AOSK at the International Meeting in of Superior General in Rome.
The challenges facing the religious women in Kenya gave rise to formation programmes
targeting candidates and young religious. Through formation/ education a person learns to live
and work with others to create a hope-filled future.
1973 Sr. Marie Therese Gacambi ASN was elected thefirst KenyaSuperior General of the
Assumption Sisters of Nairobi for a term of six years (1973-1979) and elected Chairperson of
AOSK for a term of three years(1973-1976) and she was re-elected in her Congregation for
another term of six year (1979-1985).
1974 Sr. Mary Stephen Nkoitoi FSSJ was elected the first Superior General of the Franciscan
Sisters of St Joseph for a term of five years (1974-1979) and re-elected for another term (1980-
1984). As the first Kenyan religious woman with theological studies from the famous
Gregorian University, Rome, she contributed much to AOSK.
Sr. Stephen and Sr. Gacambi who had educational experience put their talents at the service of
the Church and society at large.
During this time AOSK started to be involved in the deepening and fostering of religious life in
Kenya and AMECEA region. Many factors contributed to this move. The Bishops from AMECEA
gathered in Nairobi at St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary in 1973 had invited the Sisters to attend
their Study Conference on “Planning for the Church in Eastern Africa in the 1980s”.

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1974AOSK was registered as an incorporated Body which meant that it was now a recognized
legal entity in Kenya.
In 1974 AOSK was instrumental in organizing the first Study Conference for religious women of
the AMECEA countries: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia.From8-13 September
1974this First AMECEA Sisters Study Conferencewas held in Nairobi, Kenya on “The Role of
Religious Woman in Evangelisation.”As a follow up of this Conference AOSK
• Organized a three-day workshop for Formation personnel of all Congregations in Kenya
• Began a Mobile Team for Formation which was to aid Congregations who desire its help
• Planned programmes at TumainiScholasticate for renewal courses of older sisters, for
Major Superiors and Formation personnel
• Dialogue of sisters with Bishops was initiated and the Kenya Episcopal Conference
established a Liaison Committee consisting of two bishops representing Episcopal
Conference, a representative of Diocesan Clergy, two representatives for RSK and three
for AOSK.
21-30 August 1975 AOSK hosted the Second Sisters of Eastern Africa Study Conference
(SEASC) held in Nairobi at Riverside Drive. Sr. Dorothy Akoth FSSJ and Mrs Augusta Karanja,
a lay woman representing Kenya Catholic Women Association (CWA) to addressed the
gathering on “Problems of Women Today”.
25-29 October 1976 the Third Sisters of Eastern Africa Study Conference (SEASC)was
hosted by AOSK.
The main position paper on The Fundamental Principles of Formation Drawn from a
ScripturalUnderstanding of the Religious Life was delivered by Rev. Paul Molinari, S.J. This
meeting of major Superiors was significant in the sense that it was graced by a high
powered Vaticanrepresentatives:
His Excellency MsgrAgostino Mayer, Secretary General of the Sacred
Sacred Congregation for Religious and Secular Institutes.
Rev. ElioGambari, Under Secretary of the Sacred Congregation for Religious and Secular
Institutes.
Rev. Fabio Rizzoli, Under Secretary of the Sacred Congregation for Evangelization of Peoples
(also known as) the Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith.

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His Excellence the Apostolic Pro-Nuncio of Kenya Msgr. AgostinoCacciavillan was in
attendance as well as Bishop Raphael NdingiMwanaa’Nzeki representing the Kenya
Episcopal Conference. Building Small Christian Communities was a Pastoral Priority in
Eastern Africa and sisters expressed challenges of living religious life in an African setting.
1976 AOSK Nakuru District Unit started with members from seventeen Congregationsto
share the history of their congregation in order to know one another. Meetings take place
at St. Mary’s Pastoral Centre and speakers on different topics are invited for the morning
session. In the afternoon sisters have a business/social gathering which has bonded the
sisters.
22- 30 August 1978 the Fourth Sisters of Eastern Africa Study Conference was again hosted
by AOSK whose members were among those who gave inputs to the Conference: Mother
Stephen Nkoitoi FSSJ on Journeying in Faith, Sr. Marie Therese Gacambi ASN, on The
Community’s Formative Influence. Rev. ElioGambari (Under Secretary SCRSI) explained the
1978 Document “MutuaeRelationnes” (Mutual Relations) that focuses mainly on the
relationship between bishops and religiousstressing that Religious are not simply workers
in a diocese but they are “the expression of the diocese in its relation to God” (p.27).
1978 was a unique year that saw the death of Pope Paul VI and Election of Pope John PaulII
who visited Kenya in 1980.At the Holy Family Cathedral AOSK chairperson “thanked the
Holy Father, for coming to us to inspire us onwards in our service of faith as
religiouswomen in the Church of Kenya”(KCSBooklet1980, John Paul II in Kenya p.23).
The Holy Father also visited the Carmel, Msongari and addressed the Carmelite sisters and
other cloistered contemplative nuns of Kenya.
AOSK was well represented at the 8-18 August 1980 SEASC Meeting held in Lusaka Zambia
with the theme Building Christian Communities. Once again AOSK members were among
the resource persons giving input: Mother Stephen on Liturgy and Life and Sr. Gacambi on
Eucharist Centre of Religious Community.
3. THIRD DECADE 1982 - 1992: GROWING TOWARDS MATURITY
During this decade AOSK celebrated Twenty five years of its growth towards maturity with
thetheme “Strength Lies in Union” in 1987. By this time the Association that began with a
handful of members had grown to a membership of85 Congregationswith established
District Units in various Dioceses. The Association was able to reach out to the wider Church

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in contribution and hospitality:
8-22 August 1983AOSK hosted SEASC meeting in Nairobi. The theme of the meeting was
“Religious Apostolic Spirituality and Christian Formation in our Constantly Changing
Society of Africa” which offered much challenges to the sisters in the evangelizing mission.
10th
December 1984 AOSK Murang’a District Unit was startedthrough the initiative of
Bishop Peter Kairo. Seventeen Sisters attended this first meeting. Sr. Maria Felix Mwikali
ASN AOSK Secretary and Sr. EfremMassano, member of the Executive helped the sisters to
plan. The main activities were:
• The pastoral Programme of Instructions for both Primary and Secondary schools
• Vocation promoting and family life Education
• Social work and other activities in the pastoral field.
The Bishop contributed very much to the success of this District Unit.
In 1985 two great world events were held in Nairobi, Kenya International Eucharistic
Congress and International Women’s Year and the members of AOSK were very much
involved in the various committees. Their contribution was acknowledged.
6th
June 1986 AOSK MombasaDistrict Unitwas started. Twenty sisters gathered at the
Cathedral Hall. Sr. Maria Felix Mwikali ASN AOSK Secretary and Sr. EfremMassanoCM
member of Executive briefed the sisters on the nature, purpose, and activities of the
AOSK. The Unit office–bearers were elected. Subsequent meetings were planned and
effectively carried out. Meeting on 20th
September with input by Fr. Alan Smidlein M.M. on
Encyclical of Pope John Paul II on the Holy Spirit
Initiation of Catechetical Programme
The idea of starting a Catechetical Course was initiated by AOSK in 1986. The Executive
members met Rt. Rev. Bishop Colin Davis, the Ordinary of Ng’ong Diocese and the
Chairman of Lay Apostolate and Pastoral Commission of Kenya Episcopal Conference (KEC).
1988 The first group of 21 student Sisters was admitted at WatakatifuWote Centre in
Ngong Diocese. Sr. AncillaKupalo SOM was the Coordinator.
The second group was accommodated at theSubiaco Centre Missionary Benedictines in
Karen. The Coordinator was Sr. Catherine Khasoha. The group then moved to JJMcCarthy
Centre at Riverside Drive and then to Tumaini Centre at ElgeyoMarakwet.

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1990 AOSK was interested in the Document on Directives On Formation In Religious
Institutes February 2, 1990 that explains purpose of Religious Formation, Aspects Common
to all Stages of Formation and Stages of Religious Formation. Similarly the Encyclical
Church’s Missionary Mandate (RedemptorisMissio (1990) that demands everyone to take
the responsibility of “incarnating the Christian faith where Christ and his Gospel are not
known” (RM,33).
1990 The Major Superiors from Kenya attended the International Meeting of Women
religious in Rome whose theme was “Apostolic Women Religious and Evangelization:
Challenges for Evangelization of a World in Process of Change”
26-27 October 1991 AOSK General Assembly held at Jesuit Hekima College stressed that all
Congregations should respond to the AOSK District Unit meeting held 3-4 times a year in
each diocese. District Unit meetings offer a good opportunity for Congregations to meet,
pray, and exchange ideas.
28 September 1992 One year Junior Professed Sisters Course at Hekima College began
AOSK Justice and Peace Commission
The Justice and Peace Commission (JPC)wasestablished in 1991 to address issues of
injustice, especially those related to women and the growing marginalization of the poor.
It was born out of realization that, as sisters we could no longer remain ignorant about
socio-economic problems and inactive when human rights are violated. The task of the
Commission is one of continuing to raise awareness of the need of active involvement in
justice and peace issues and to encourage justice and peace programmes at all levels of
formation.
AOSK/JPC manner of operation of includes research, surveys, social analysis, seminars,
workshops, campaigns, networking, publications, lobbying, advocacy and prayer.
4. FOURTH DECADE 1992 – 2002: GROWING TOWARDS MATURITY
The Catholic Church was steadily growing having 19 Dioceses. According to statistics Kenya
population was 28,873,350 with Catholics being 5,560,139 (19.00%) and Sisters 2,784(cf.
NEW PEOPLE no.38 September – October1993 p.11).

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AOSK member Congregations were preparing sisters to be more involved catechetical
ministry. The 23 sisters who graduated for the Sisters’ Catechetical Course 1992-1994 at JJ
McCarthy Centre, Riverside Drive, Lavington,on 6th
August 1994were distributed as follows:
13 Kenya, 6 Tanzania, 2 Uganda, 1 Ethiopia and 1 Sudan. 13 Congregations in Kenya had
sent sisters for the 2 years Catechists training Course (ASN, ASE, DS,ESM, FSJ, IHM, LSJ,
LSOF,OS,OSB, SSJ,SMI,SOM).
15 January 1994A day of workshop on Consecrated Life at the Service of Mission in Africa
Today at Loreto Convent Msongari on our contribution to the Synod on Consecrated life.
The interest of the topic that touched on our contribution to the Synod on Consecrated life
drew a large number of participants from Nairobi and other AOSK units. Rev. Fr. Pierli, a
Comboni Missionary was the facilitator and helped the sisters to see more clearly our
prophetic role as women religious.
1994 Synod of Bishops on “The Consecrated Life and Its Role in the Church and in the
World” offered a wonderful opportunity for AOSK members to study the
“InstrumentumLaboris” (Working document). The AOSK Chairperson Sr. Maria Felix
Mwikali, Assumption Sisters of Nairobi attended the meeting in Rome.
Members of AOSK continued to participate in in both international meetings and meetings
organized for sisters in AMECEA region and collaborated with Religious Superiors of Kenya
(RSK) and the Diocesan Clergy as well as the Local Ordinaries.
4-7 October 1995 a Workshop on Mutual Relations was held at St. Mary’s Pastoral Centre
Nakuru for Bishops, clergy, men and women religious.
1998 negotiations began with Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) which led to the
affiliation of Institute of Catechetical and Pastoral Ministry (ICAPAMI) to CUEA. Two
hundred students have completed the programme and until now the programme has
commenced every second year.
In March 2001 the AOSK long waited building Chemchemi Centre at Langata, Karen was
opened bringing true joy of a successful struggle with determination.
ChemchemiyaUzima Centre
This is the venue for Programmes run by AOSK such as
TheInstitute of Catechetics and Pastoral Ministry (ICAPAMI): 2 yearswhose purpose is:
• to form pastoral agents who will handle catechesis at various levels

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• to prepare catechists as agents of evangelization who will be deeply embedded in
the Christian faith
• to offer opportunity for reflection and practice in the liturgical aspects of the life of
the Church
• to promote inculturation according to the teaching of the Catholic Church
• to provide upgrading for ICAPAMI graduates, CRE teachers or trained catechists to
advance their catechetical and pastoral knowledge.
FormatorsCourse : 9 months
Formation being a specialized ministry requires that Formators be given special
preparation andtraining for holistic personal development:
• -understanding of the formative process and of religious life
• -acquiring of skills of accompaniment and assessment
Short Courses
Organized short courseson Ongoing Formation Programmes of AOSK meet various
needs of the Association members: Preparation for final vows, Leadership
Managementtraining, Financial accountability, Enneagram, Sexuality, Spirituality, Prayer.
ChemchemiCentre hires its facilities to various groups, who share AOSK vision of working
for the spread of the Reign of God.
It is the venue for the Inter-congregational Novices’ Programme.
5.FIFTH DECADE 2002 – 2012: MOVING TOWARDS THE FUTURE WITH HOPE
St Anselm Sabbatical Programme
In a cooperative venture with PORTICUS AOSK was able to begin the Sabbatical Programme
in 2002. An agreement was made with St. Anselm Institute in Kent, England to train staff
for this Institute. Sisters who were funded by Porticus through AOSK would complete study
in St. Anselm and be members of staff for the programme in Kenya for a time equivalent to
the training time.
The Programme aims at enabling the sisters to achieve a greater self-awareness and
greater deepening of their relationship with self (that is, the integration of the whole

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personality), God and others. It is a holistic view of human development and growth,
inspired by the MOTTO “Come as you are.”
Initially it was decided to conduct the Sabbatical Programme for four months twice
annually.
19-30 August 2002 AOSK Major Superiorsheld their meeting at Chemchemi Institute.
27 November – 2nd
December 2002 AOSK hosted UISG Delegates Assembly at Chemchemi.
This was a historic event as it was first time that The International Meeting of Superiors
General was held in Africa, Nairobi, Kenya. ASOK worked all the necessary logistics that
made the event a great success.
27 October 2003 Local Superiors course at AOSK ChemchemiYaUzima
2005 was another period of transition with the death of Pope John Paul II and election of
Pope Benedict XVI.
March 2005 The AOSK General Assembly re-articulatedthe Vision and Mission of AOSK.
VISION
Rooted in our identity as consecrated women in the globalized world of today, we are a
united body, who come together as an association for spiritual, moral and social support
and challenge, offering authentic and prophetic witness to the Gospel values and actively
involved in the transformation of the Church and society in Kenya.
MISSION
1. Through the Leaders of the Congregations to bring together and animate the
religious women for their prophetic role in the society, coordinating them and
representing them in regard to the Church, the government and the society at
large.
2. Provide skills, preparation, formation and the space to all members in order to
empower them in the prophetic services they give for the extension of the
kingdom, especially the issues of women, youth and children.
5-26 August 2005 13th
ACWECA meeting in Tanzania with the theme “Empowerment of
Women Religious in Light of Our Past Heritage, Our Present Reality and Future
Challenge”

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18-28 August 2008 the 14th
ACWECA meeting in Malawi with the theme “A Radical Call for
Religious Women To Live Prophetically the Gospel Values in the Third Millennium, AOSK
participated in a significant way with a good number of Major Superiors attending including
the Secretary Sr. MargaretMcInerney, Our Lady of the Missions.
16- 26 August 2011 15th
ACWECA General Assembly held in Kampala, Uganda with the
theme“Called to an Identity of Rootedness in the Person of Jesus Christ as Consecrated
Women: A Challenge for Mission and Formation Today” AOSK was well represented by
seven delegates: Sr. Michael Marie, Sr. Margaret Aringo FSSJA, Sr. Jacqueline Githire, Sr.
Mary Mwangi, Sr. Jacqueline Nanjara, Sr. Ann Nyangoma and our Executive Secretary Sr.
Agnes Wamuyu. Once again AOSK continued to offer leadership for the consecrated
women in AMECEA region as Sr. Margaret AringoFSSJAwas elected the chairperson of
ACWECA 2011-2014.The AOSK participants Action Plan was:
• Disseminate the Mission, Vision and Values of both ACWECA and AOSK at all levels
• Expand our programmes for better formation and to move towards sutainabiliy
• Preparation for AOSK Golden Jubilee focusing on our rootedness in Jesus Christ by
revisiting our origins as an an Association and writing our history
• Continue with programmes on political awareness campaigns in preparation Kenya
General Election in 2012.
It is worth to note that at the ACWECA Strategic Planning Workshop26-28th
August 2011
that followed the Assembly three pioneer members of AOSK: Sr. EdelBahati SOLC, Sr.
Dorothy AkothFSSJ, and Sr. Marie Therese Gacambi ASN participated as Resource persons.
28 September 2011 ChemchemiYaUzima Centre celebrated 10th
Anniversary with a
Eucharist celebration presided by the His Excellency Archbishop Alain Paul Lebeaupin,
Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya. Sr. Dorothy Akoth gave a brief history of the Centre and the day
was marked by rejoicing and cutting of the delicious CAKE baked in the form of the Word of
God.
For the Lenten Campaign 2012 “Towards a Transformed Kenya” our AOSK/JPC joined the
KEC Catholic Justice and Peace Commission in reminding ourselves that “we have a duty to
transform Kenya into a country where human dignity, human rights, equity, responsibility
and equality are the core values” (Lenten Campaign 2012, p.5).

16. 16
16March 2012 AOSK held a workshop on Strategic Planning as we celebrate half a
centuryof our existence and move towards the future. The planningaddressed aspects of
Leadership and Management, Strategies and Polices, Human Resource Management,
Partnership and Networking, Processes, Stakeholders (Relationships) with Beneficiaries.
May 27th
- June 2nd
2012 AOSK had a workshop sponsored by African Sisters Education
Collaborative (ASCEC) on keeping Congregation Archives.
Chairpersons of AOSK
1962 - 1965: Sr. Regis FMA, Franciscan Missionaries of Africa RIP
1965 – 1968: Sr. Mary Celine Wangare SMI, Sisters of Mary Immaculate RIP
1969 – 1973: Sr. Theresa Opondo SOM, Sisters of Mary Kakamega
1973 – 1976: Sr. Marie Therese Gacambi ASN, Assumption Sisters of Nairobi
1977 – 1980: Sr. Stephen Nkoitoi FSSJ, Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph Asumbi RIP
1980 - 1983: Sr. Alma Mulwa SOM, Sisters of Mary Kakamega
1984 -1985: Sr. Marie Therese Gacambi ASN, Assumption Sisters of Nairobi
1986 – 1987: Sr. EdelBahati OLC, Our Lady of Charity
1987 – 1990: Sr. Leah WambuiKimani ASN, Assumption Sisters of Nairobi
1990 -1996: Sr. Ancilla Kupal0 SOM, Sisters of Mary Kakamega
1996 – 1999: Sr. Maria Felix Mwikali ASN, Assumption Sisters of Nairobi
1999 – 2002: Sr. Dorothy Akoth FSJ, Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph
2003 – 2006: Sr. Mary Paul Wamatu CP, Precious Blood
2005 - 2008: Sr. Mary GitauIBVM, Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Loreto Sisters)
2008 -2009: Sr. Marie Therese Gacambi ASN, Assumption Sisters of Nairobi
2009 2010 : Sr. Brenda Luggatso MM Medical Mission Sisters
2010- to-date: Sr. Margaret Aringo FSSJ, Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph (Asumbi)
Executive Secretary of AOSK
1962 – 1965: Sr. Francis Stanslaus IBVM, Institute of the Virgin Mary (Loreto)
1966 – 1969: Sr. ConsolataO’Keefee RSM, Mercy Ssisters
1970 – 1973: Sr. Christina Middleholf MSOLA, Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa
1973 – 1978: Sr. Claire Callahan SND, Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur
1979- 1983: Sr. Dorothy Akoth FSSJ, Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph (Asumbi)
1984 – 1988: Sr. Maria Felix Mwikali ASN, Assumption Sisters of Nairobi
1988 – 1992: Sr. Jennifer Wandia SMI, Sisters of Mary Immaculate
1992 – 1995: Sr. Margaret Karimi SMI, Sisters of Mary Immaculate
1995 – 1996: Sr. Esther Wanjiru LSJ, Little Sisters of St Joseph
1996 – 2002: Sr. May EverlyneOgutu FSSJ, Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph

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2002 - : Sr. Clare UrsulaTobin OS. Ursuline Sisters
: Sr. Marcella Mbuthu SN, Sisters of Nazareth
2008 : Sr. Monica Mwandama SSJ, Sisters of St Joseph (Mombasa)
2008 : Sr. Margaret McInerney , Our Lady of the Missions
2010 -to-date: Sr. Agnes Wamuyu ES, Elisabethan Sisters