President William Ruto on Wednesday bid farewell to outgoing Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Hubertus Matheus Maria van Megen following the conclusion of his seven-year diplomatic mission in Kenya.

In a statement shared on his social media platforms, Ruto praised the envoy for his role in deepening diplomatic and spiritual ties between Kenya and the Holy See during his tenure.

“Over the past seven years, Archbishop van Megen has played a significant role in strengthening the longstanding bonds of friendship and cooperation between Kenya and the Holy See,” Ruto said.

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The President noted that Kenya and the Vatican achieved a major diplomatic milestone during van Megen’s tenure after Kenya appointed, for the first time, a resident ambassador to the Vatican.

According to Ruto, the move helped elevate the cordial relations between the two states and reinforced cooperation on matters of faith, peace, education, and social development.

The Apostolic Nuncio serves as the diplomatic representative of the Holy See and also acts as a link between the Vatican and the Catholic Church in Kenya.

During his assignment in Kenya, Archbishop van Megen was involved in various church and diplomatic engagements, including national celebrations, interfaith initiatives, and peace-building efforts.

Ruto said Kenya appreciated the envoy’s dedicated service and contribution to the enduring partnership between Nairobi and the Vatican.

“Conveyed best wishes to the Apostolic Nuncio as he embarks on his next assignment, and expressed appreciation for his dedicated service and contribution to the enduring partnership between Kenya and the Holy See,” the President added.

The Holy See and Kenya have maintained diplomatic relations for decades, with the Catholic Church remaining one of the key players in education, healthcare, humanitarian support, and social justice programmes across the country.

The farewell meeting comes amid continued engagement between Kenya and global religious institutions on issues touching on peace, morality, youth empowerment, and humanitarian cooperation.

Kenya established formal diplomatic relations with the Holy See in MID 19s, shortly after attaining independence.

Since then, successive governments have maintained close ties with the Vatican through diplomatic and church-led collaborations.