The West Kenya Union Conference (WKUC) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church has announced an immediate suspension of all harambees and fundraising activities conducted on the Sabbath across its territory, in a move aimed at preserving the sanctity of the day of worship.
In a presidential circular dated June 5, 2026, and addressed to all fields, conferences, institutions, pastors, elders and church leaders, the Union leadership said the decision followed extensive consultations and would take effect immediately.
According to the communication signed by Pr. Samuel Misiani, the President and Communication Director of WKUC, the decision was reached after observations that fundraising activities conducted during Sabbath worship services often interfere with the spirit of reverence and distract congregants from the sacred purpose of the day.
The Union noted that the Sabbath should remain dedicated to spiritual renewal, worship, fellowship and communion with God, without interruptions from financial appeals or fundraising drives.
“As a people called to honor God’s holy day, we must ensure that our worship services remain focused on spiritual renewal, fellowship, and communion with Him,” the circular states.
Under the new directive, all fundraising activities intended for church development, institutional projects or any other cause must now be organized on Sundays or on other appropriate days outside Sabbath hours.
The church leadership has instructed all conference, field, institutional, district and local church leaders to ensure full compliance with the directive. It further warned that any pastor or church leader who permits or facilitates fundraising activities on the Sabbath will bear personal accountability for such actions.
WKUC emphasized that the policy is intended to uphold biblical principles while maintaining the spirit of true worship. The leadership also thanked church members and leaders for their continued cooperation and commitment to preserving the sanctity of the Sabbath.
The directive is expected to affect Seventh-day Adventist churches, institutions and conferences under the West Kenya Union Conference, requiring them to reschedule fundraising events that have traditionally been held during Sabbath services.
Church leaders are now expected to align their fundraising calendars with the new policy while ensuring that worship services remain centered on prayer, preaching and spiritual growth.
