By Anne Mbugua — CHAK
The Christian Health Association of Kenya (CHAK) marked 80 years of service to Kenya’s health sector with a Gala Dinner held during the CHAK Annual Health Conference on April 28, 2026. The event brought together partners, church leaders, former General Secretaries, health sector champions and members of the CHAK fraternity to celebrate the organization’s enduring legacy.
The gala was graced by Dr. Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary for Medical Services, who served as Guest of Honor and commended CHAK for its immense contribution to Kenya’s health sector over the decades. Organizers described the occasion as more than a celebration of longevity — a tribute to the countless lives touched through CHAK’s ministries and programmes over the years.
Founded in 1946 as a hospitals committee under the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), CHAK has grown into one of Kenya’s most influential and impactful faith-based health networks. It now spans 45 of the country’s 47 counties, with 608 member institutions comprising churches and church organizations, hospitals, health centres, dispensaries, community health programmes and training institutions, guided throughout by a mission of promoting quality healthcare inspired by Christian values and the Great Commission to teach, preach and heal.
CHAK’s history is closely tied to some of Kenya’s most difficult public health moments. Since the emergence of HIV in the 1980s, at a time when stigma, fear and limited resources threatened lives and communities, CHAK member institutions stepped forward to provide care, treatment, counselling and hope to affected individuals and families, establishing the organization as a pillar of support during one of the most difficult public health crises in modern history. That same community-driven, compassionate approach later proved instrumental during the COVID-19 pandemic, with CHAK’s grassroots health systems demonstrating their power to safeguard communities in times of crisis.
CHAK has also played a critical role in advancing reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child and adolescent health services through its extensive member network, continually championing accessible, equitable and quality healthcare for vulnerable and underserved populations. The organization has further positioned itself at the forefront of addressing both communicable and non-communicable diseases, strengthening health systems within its member facilities through strategic partnerships, innovation and capacity building.
Looking ahead, CHAK highlighted its focus on sustainability amid changing donor priorities and development funding challenges. Innovative initiatives such as CMaT and IMARA Care were cited as examples of the organization’s commitment to creating resilient, self-sustaining healthcare models built to serve communities for generations to come.
“CHAK at 80 is not merely celebrating years of existence, but celebrating 80 years of impact, resilience, innovation and faithful service to humanity,” organizers said, honouring the visionary leaders, dedicated healthcare workers, church partners, development partners, volunteers and communities whose sacrifice and commitment have shaped CHAK into the respected institution it is today.
From humble beginnings as a hospitals committee, CHAK has evolved into a giant in healthcare delivery, consistently responding to the changing health needs of communities across Kenya. Even as it celebrates eight decades of achievement, the organization says its eyes remain firmly fixed on the future, one where quality, affordable and sustainable healthcare is accessible to all.
Indeed, CHAK at 80 is not merely celebrating years of existence, but celebrating 80 years of impact, resilience, innovation and faithful service to humanity.
Happy 80th Anniversary, CHAK!
