In the heart of Karatina, within the Archdiocese of Nyeri, a story of profound transformation is unfolding through the ministry of Fr. Dr. Francis Mukundi. As the Parish Priest at Our Lady Consolata, Fr. Mukundi has become a central figure in the Next Generation Leadership Programme (NGLP) Impact Tracking Series, showcasing how advanced education and holistic leadership can revitalize a local community. His journey with the NGLP began in 2014, an opportunity he attributes to the support of Archbishop Peter Kairo, which allowed him to bridge the gap between academic excellence and practical pastoral care.

Already a scholar with a Licentiate from the Catholic University of South Africa, the NGLP and the Catholic Scholarship Program enabled Fr. Mukundi to pursue a PhD in Dogmatic Theology. However, this pursuit was never about personal accolades; it was a strategic move to enhance his role as a lecturer at Christ the King Major Seminary. By obtaining his doctorate, he ensured that future priests are trained by those with the highest level of theological expertise, strengthening the foundation of the Church for decades to come.

What sets Fr. Mukundi’s leadership apart is the multidisciplinary approach he took during his studies. Recognizing that a modern priest must be more than just a theologian, he utilized the program to gain certifications in Psychological Counseling, Media and Communications, and Leadership and Management. These diverse skills have become the “everyday tools” of his ministry, allowing him to navigate the complex social and psychological needs of his congregation with a professional and empathetic touch.

The physical and spiritual landscape of the Karatina parish bears the marks of this empowered leadership. Under his guidance, the parish has established a vibrant pastoral center that serves as a hub for catechism and spiritual meetings. Innovation is also visible on the ground floor, which now houses a computer school aimed at providing digital literacy to the community. Members of the parish have noted a marked improvement in family life, citing the marriage courses and spiritual programs he organized as instrumental in strengthening the bonds within their homes.

Fr. Mukundi views his education as a debt of gratitude to be paid back through service. He frequently encourages current NGLP scholars to exhaust every resource and course available to them, reminding them that they are in a fortunate position to effect change. To him, the program is not just a scholarship but a transformative mandate to return to their communities and “give back” with the full weight of their knowledge and dedication.