Christ is the Answer Ministry (CITAM) church made Ksh3.28 billion in the year ending December 2023 according to the latest annual financial statement, making it the highest amount of income the group has made in five years.
According to the statement, the amount recorded was an increase from the Ksh2.89 billion made in 2022.
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CITAM in its financial statement report noted that the growth in income was attributable to a significant increase in tithe and offerings, full year performance for the new assemblies and strengthening of the USD to Kshs which was favourable for the international churches.
The group’s business units’ income, the report adds, increased by 4% to Kshs 782 million up from KShs750 million in 2022.
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Congregation during a past CITAM church service. PHOTO/Courtesy.
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Growth in the income generated from its business ventures was driven by increased sales in some units including the Kadolta Resort, its farm in Kiserian , and the increased pupil enrolment in Clay city and Rongai schools.
At the same time, CITAM’s outreach ministries’ income increased by 70% to Ksh182 million, up from the Ksh 107 million reported in 2022.
This is due to increased donations for donor funded projects towards support of drought-stricken communities in Northern Kenya.
“Assemblies’ income increased by 23% to Ksh2.312 billion up from Ksh2.042 billion, with most of the Assemblies recording income growth in 2023 compared to 2022.”
“This was attributable to significant increase in tithe and offerings, full year performance for the new assemblies and strengthening of the USD to Kshs which was favorable for the international churches,” indicated the statement in part.
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Breakdown of Expenditure and Income at CITAM
Additionally, CITAM indicated that it was able to make the profit despite recording an increase in amount spent on expenses compared to 2022.
As per the statement, CITAM’s operating expenses were higher compared to 2022 due to increased ministry’s operations, increased number of assemblies and units, and increased prices for commodities.
“Total operating expenditure for the year 2023 grew by 28% to KSh2.81 billion up from KShs2.19 billion reported in 2022 net of intra-ministry expenditure.”
“Compared to the year 2022, there was a general increase in operating expenses due to increased ministry’s operations, increased number of assemblies and units, and increased prices for commodities.
“Staff expenses increased by 32% to KSh1,208 billion from KSh916 million. This is attributed to the full year impact of staff salary job evaluation exercise carried out and effected in July 2022, regularization of interns and temporary staff in year 2022 as well as new engagements and staff promotions,” added the report.
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Breakdown of Amount Generated by Churches in 2023
The report detailed that CITAM Valley Road made the highest income in 2023, raising Ksh383 million with an expenditure of Ksh128 million, followed by CITAM Woodley which made Ksh226,993,056 and spent Ksh77,432,784.
CITAM Karen, on its part, made Ksh181,187,769 and spent Ksh79,889,124, while CITAM Thika Road made Ksh142,851,112 and spent Ksh70,270,615, CITAM Buruburu made Ksh131,407,625 and spent Ksh71,446,569.
On the other hand, CITAM Ngong recorded an income of Ksh102,796,754 and an expenditure of Ksh70,375,416, CITAM Thika Town made 73,586,303 and spent Ksh46,289,321, while CITAM Parklands made Ksh71,167,462 an spent Ksh45,429,155.
The group’s properties were valued at Ksh7.14 billion in 2023. The property that factored in the valuation included Freehold land (Ksh2,117,740,000), Buildings (Ksh3,881,592,996), Boreholes (Ksh24,261,426), and Motor vehicles (Ksh266,914,387).
Also, the group’s Furniture and fittings were valued at Ksh241,374,127, Equipment at Ksh399,249,478, Computers at Ksh81,464,747, and Tents at Ksh131,656,145
“Land and buildings were valued by con Valuers Limited an independent valuer, on the basis of open market value (Level 2) in December 2023.”
“The carrying amount of the asset was restated to the raw amount of the asset, and the resulting surplus on revaluation was credited to Capital Funds in the statement of changes in funds,” indicated the statement.
About the Church
According to the church website, CITAM’s history “dates back to 1952 when John McBride a PAOC missionary arrived in Nairobi with the vision of establishing a church.”
The church began as a small assembly whose members were mainly European and Canadian expatriates. It was known as Pentecostal Evangelistic Centre (PEC). The name of the church was changed to Nairobi Pentecostal Church (NPC) in the 1970s under the pastorate of Rev. Mervyn Thomas.
Under the leadership of Rev. Roy Upton and Rev. Dennis White, the church experienced tremendous growth in the 1980s.
Bishop Bonifes Adoyo, was NPC’s first African leader. He led the church until 2010 when he retired. He unsuccessfully vied for the Nairobi Senatorial seat in 2013.
Adoyo handed over leadership of the church to Dr. David Oginde who led for ten years before handing over to the current Presiding Bishop Rev. Calisto Odede in 2020.
Notably, Bishop Oginde is the current chairperson of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission – EACC.
CITAM has nearly 33 assemblies spread across the country but with a huge concentration in Nairobi County.
Outside Nairobi, CITAM is now in Nakuru, Kisumu, Mombasa, Nyeri, Meru, Kisii, Kapsabet, Kakamega and Machakos among other strategic locations.
It also has an assembly in the United States and in Romania.
Apart from tithes, CITAM derives its income from CITAM Schools, PAC University, Hope FM, Hope TV, Kadolta Resort, and catering services.
“Our mission is to know God and to make Him known through evangelism and discipleship.
Our vision is a Community of Believers Impacting the World with the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ through the transforming Power of the Holy Spirit,” states CITAM on its website.
