The Sovereign Order of Malta extends its sincere appreciation to His Excellency Archbishop Hubertus van Megen for his service to Kenya and for the close and valued relationship he maintained with the Order during his tenure as Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya and South Sudan.
Since his arrival in Kenya in 2019, Archbishop van Megen has been a respected presence in Nairobi and throughout the country. His service was characterized by a profound commitment to faith, dialogue and the dignity of the human person, as well as by a genuine concern for those most vulnerable in society. The relationship between Archbishop van Megen and the Sovereign Order of Malta was marked by friendship, mutual respect and a shared commitment to service. He consistently encouraged and supported the humanitarian activities of the Order in Kenya and expressed his appreciation for its work on behalf of the poor and the sick.
One of the most significant examples of this close cooperation with the Order of Malta in Kenya is the maternity facility at the Good Samaritan Catholic Mission Hospital in Tangulbei, Baringo County. When the Embassy of the Order was considering how the Companions of Kenya could further support vulnerable communities, Archbishop van Megen suggested assisting the mission hospital in this remote region of northern Kenya. The idea of establishing a maternity theatre there originated with him, and his guidance and support were instrumental in identifying and advancing this urgent project. For women in the remote Pokot communities, access to specialized maternity care was severely limited, with the nearest appropriate facility located more than 120 kilometres away over difficult roads. Archbishop van Megen’s engagement with Kenya was not limited to humanitarian initiatives. He brought to his pastoral ministry a thoughtful and deeply human approach, addressing contemporary challenges with compassion, clarity and courage. His words frequently connected faith with the realities of everyday life and encouraged a spirit of responsibility, solidarity and service.
He also demonstrated a willingness to speak with moral clarity during difficult moments. In particular, his engagement with Kenya’s younger generation during periods of social and political tension showed his attentiveness to the concerns and aspirations of young Kenyans. His voice reached well beyond the ecclesiastical community and reflected his conviction that pastoral responsibility also requires listening to society and standing with those who seek dignity, justice and hope. For those who had the privilege of working with him, Archbishop van Megen will also be remembered for his personal warmth, humility, compassion and humanity. His ability to combine diplomatic responsibility with genuine pastoral concern created lasting relationships with people from many different backgrounds.
As Archbishop van Megen moves on from his service in Kenya, the Order of Malta expresses its profound gratitude for his years of dedicated service in Nairobi and throughout the country. We thank him for his partnership, his confidence in the Order’s humanitarian mission and, above all, for his commitment to the people of Kenya. Kenya has been enriched by his presence, and the Sovereign Order of Malta is honoured to have shared in his service and friendship.
We wish His Excellency Archbishop Hubertus van Megen every success and God’s abundant blessing for the next chapter of his ministry. With gratitude and appreciation for his service to Kenya, and with warm wishes for the future.
