AMECEA, "Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa" is holding a two day seminar on Consolidating Church Leadership capacity for influencing policymaking in the region.

"The church has the capacity to influence the governing of states for the good of the citizens, and the good needs to be understood in the context of the wellbeing of the governed as well as giving them the opportunity to participate" this was said by Professor Jesse Mugambi of the University of Nairobi while addressing the participants at the regional seminar.

The seminar organised by the AMECEA secretariat in Nairobi has brought together participants from all the AMECEA countries, this includes all the Secretary Generals of the National Episcopal Conferences and National Directors of Pontifical mission societies of the eight countries of Eastern Africa.

In addition, the seminar has brought on board some members of parliament to bring their experience of policy making parliamentary deliberations. The seminar will also exchange experiences of Parliamentary Liaison offices in member countries that have established them.

According to Fr. Chrisantus Ndaga, the head of communications at the AMECEA Secretariat, AMECEA region plans to institute Liaison offices in all the constituent countries so as to coordinate the activities of Catholic members of parliament in the entire region. This will enhance not only the lobbying, but also help to minister to the politicians who sit in the august houses.

The more than 20 officials from the region were officially received and welcomed by Secretary Generals Fr Pius Rutechura and Fr Vincent Wambugu of AMECEA and Kenya Episcopal Conference respectively.