Presbyterian Church of East Africa launches Sh703m mission to save Milele Beach Hotel

The Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) has launched a Sh703 million fundraising campaign to prevent the receivership of the Milele Beach Hotel in Mombasa. The hotel, held through the church’s property-holding vehicle, the Presbyterian Foundation, is facing a financial crisis stemming from significant debt.

Following negotiations, the church has already paid Sh50 million to KCB, reducing the outstanding debt from Sh1.07 billion to Sh753 million. The PCEA now has a three-month window to raise the remaining funds to redeem the property. To meet this goal, the church is pursuing several avenues, including mobilizing contributions from its 4.8 million members via digital payment channels, seeking government support, and pursuing compensation for a property in Westlands.

Church officials have expressed concerns that unnamed individuals may be attempting to acquire the property through unscrupulous means. While approximately 500 clerics are scheduled to meet with President William Ruto, General Assembly Moderator Thegu Mutahi emphasized that the church remains non-partisan and is not seeking political patronage or financial favors through the meeting.