CHAK@80: Celebrating Eight Decades of Faith, Healing and Service to Humanity
By Anne Mbugua — CHAK
This year marks a remarkable milestone for CHAK as we celebrate 80 years of transformative service to humanity. The CHAK@80 celebrations honour the extraordinary journey of an organisation that began in 1946 as a hospitals committee under the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) and has since grown into one of Kenya’s most influential and impactful faith-based health networks.
Today, CHAK stands tall as a nationwide network spanning 45 out of Kenya’s 47 counties, with an impressive membership of 608 institutions comprising churches and church organizations, hospitals, health centres, dispensaries, community health programmes and training institutions. For eight decades, CHAK has remained steadfast in its mission of promoting quality healthcare inspired by Christian values and guided by the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ — to teach, preach and heal.
The CHAK@80 celebrations reached a memorable highlight during the CHAK Annual Health Conference Gala Dinner held on April 28, 2026. The elegant and joyous occasion brought together distinguished guests, partners, church leaders, former General Secretaries, health sector champions and members of the CHAK fraternity to celebrate the organization’s enduring legacy.
The event was graced by the Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, who served as the Guest of Honor and commended CHAK for its immense contribution to Kenya’s health sector over the decades.
The gala was not only a celebration of longevity, but also a tribute to the countless lives touched through CHAK’s ministries and programmes over the years. From humble beginnings, CHAK has evolved into a giant in healthcare delivery, consistently responding to the changing health needs of communities across Kenya.
CHAK has particularly distinguished itself as a leader in HIV/AIDS care and treatment since the emergence of HIV in the 1980s. At a time when stigma, fear and limited resources threatened lives and communities, CHAK member institutions courageously stepped forward to provide care, treatment, counselling and hope to affected individuals and families. Through community-driven healthcare models and compassionate service delivery, CHAK became a pillar of support during one of the most difficult public health crises in modern history.
Over the years, CHAK has also played a critical role in advancing reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child and adolescent health services through its extensive member network. The organization has continually championed accessible, equitable and quality healthcare, especially for vulnerable and underserved populations.
In addition, CHAK has been at the forefront of addressing both communicable and non-communicable diseases while strengthening health systems within its member facilities. Through strategic partnerships, innovation and capacity building, CHAK has consistently contributed to improving healthcare outcomes across the country.
One of CHAK’s greatest achievements has been its pioneering role in the evolution of community health care models. These models proved lifesaving during the peak of the HIV pandemic and later became instrumental in responding efficiently to other public health emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic. CHAK’s community-centred approach demonstrated the power of grassroots health systems in safeguarding communities during times of crisis.
As the global development landscape continues to shift, CHAK remains resilient and forward-looking. In this era of changing donor priorities and development funding challenges, the organization continues to lead from the front in developing sustainable healthcare solutions. Innovative initiatives such as CMaT and IMARA Care exemplify CHAK’s commitment to creating resilient and self-sustaining healthcare models that will continue serving communities for generations to come.
The story of CHAK is ultimately a story of faith in action, compassionate service and unwavering commitment to human dignity. For 80 years, CHAK has walked alongside communities, healing the sick, strengthening health systems, empowering healthcare workers and bringing hope where it is needed most.
As CHAK celebrates this historic milestone, we honour the visionary leaders, dedicated healthcare workers, church partners, development partners, volunteers and communities who have contributed to this incredible journey. Their sacrifice, commitment and faithfulness have shaped CHAK into the respected institution it is today.
Even as we celebrate the achievements of the past eight decades, CHAK’s eyes remain firmly fixed on the future — a future 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!