Age, Biography and Wiki

Samuel Kobia was born on 20 March, 1947 in Miathene, Meru, Kenya, is a Samuel Kobia is Methodist clergyman. Discover Samuel Kobia's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Learn How rich is he in this year and how he spends money? Also learn how he earned most of networth at the age of 76 years old?

Popular As Samuel Kobia
Occupation General Secretary, World Council of Churches (2004-2009) General Secretary, National Council of Churches of Kenya (1987-1993)
Age 76 years old
Zodiac Sign Pisces
Born 20 March, 1947
Birthday 20 March
Birthplace Miathene, Meru, Kenya
Nationality Kenya

We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 20 March. He is a member of famous with the age 76 years old group.

Samuel Kobia Height, Weight & Measurements

At 76 years old, Samuel Kobia height not available right now. We will update Samuel Kobia's Height, weight, Body Measurements, Eye Color, Hair Color, Shoe & Dress size soon as possible.

Physical Status
Height Not Available
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Who Is Samuel Kobia's Wife?

His wife is Ruth Kobia

Family
Parents Not Available
Wife Ruth Kobia
Sibling Not Available
Children Kaburo, Nkatha, Mwenda, Mutua

Samuel Kobia Net Worth

His net worth has been growing significantly in 2023-2024. So, how much is Samuel Kobia worth at the age of 76 years old? Samuel Kobia’s income source is mostly from being a successful . He is from Kenya. We have estimated Samuel Kobia's net worth, money, salary, income, and assets.

Net Worth in 2024 $1 Million - $5 Million
Salary in 2024 Under Review
Net Worth in 2023 Pending
Salary in 2023 Under Review
House Not Available
Cars Not Available
Source of Income

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Timeline

1947

Samuel Kobia (born March 20, 1947 in Miathene, Meru, Kenya), is a Methodist clergyman and the first African to be elected General Secretary (2004–2009) of the World Council of Churches (WCC), a worldwide fellowship of 349 global, regional and local churches representing a Christian population of over 590 million people.

1971

His ecumenical career began with his studies at St. Paul's University, Limuru, Kenya), where he graduated with a diploma in Theology in 1971.

Kobia then moved to Chicago and enrolled in the McCormick Theological Seminary to study urban ministry.

His interest in urbanization and its impact on African cities lead him to continue further exploration in this field.

1978

He applied and was accepted to the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he graduated with a Masters in City Planning (MCP) in 1978.

His thesis paper for his Master's is titled Origins of squatting and community organization in Nairobi.

In 1978, after graduating from MIT, Kobia and his family moved to Geneva, Switzerland to take up the post of Executive Secretary for Urban Rural Mission at the World Council of Churches (WCC).

Kobia spent most of his career at the WCC.From 1978 to 1984, he was executive secretary for Urban Mission at the WCC in Geneva, and served as secretary of the WCC Africa task force.

1984

In 1984, Kobia returned to his home country to serve as Director of Church Development activities at the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK).

1987

Three years later, in 1987 he was elected General Secretary of NCCK.

He served as General Secretary from 1987-1993.

Under his leadership, the NCCK was vocal about the need for multi-party politics in Kenya and campaigned against repression during the Moi era.

1990

Kobia has deep knowledge of Sudan having worked with the late John Garang in 1990 when the WCC set up peace talks between the mainstream SPLM/SPLA led by John Garang and the SPLM/SPLA United led by Riak Machduring.

Kobia led the six-month-long talks, which were sponsored by the National Council of Churches of Kenya and the People for Peace of the Catholic Church in Kenya, with technical assistance from Nairobi Peace Initiative-Africa.

In this current post, he continues his role as peacemaker and global leader.

Kobia has written numerous papers and articles on Africa, peace and ecumenism.

His publications reflects his vision, his working experiences.

He is the author of the following books:

1993

In 1993, Kobia earned a Doctor of Divinity (honorary degree) from the Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis.

From Kenya, he returned to Geneva, Switzerland in 1993 to serve as Executive Director of WCC's Unit III - Justice, Peace and Creation.

2000

In 2000, he spent a sabbatical year as a fellow at the Center for the Study of Values in Public Life at Harvard Divinity School, Harvard University.

2003

In 2003 he was elected General Secretary; his election was received with endorsement by global peers.

During his acceptance speech he quoted the African proverb "If you want to walk fast, walk alone; but if you want to walk far, walk together".

In this spirit, he worked to promote greater unity in the ecumenical movement through collaboration and dialogue.

2004

He would eventually head the international organization from 2004-2009.

2005

In 2005, he rejected the accusation of anti-Zionism against the WCC and stated that anti-Semitism is a "sin against God and man" and "absolutely irreconcilable with the profession and practice of the Christian faith," quoting from the first assembly of the WCC in Amsterdam in 1948.

He has nevertheless been critical of the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories, calling it "a sin against God".

The same year, he paid a tribute to Pope John Paul II on behalf of his efforts for ecumenism.

2009

Kobia served as General Secretary for one term resigning in 2009.

Kobia's resignation come as a surprise to the Central Committee, who stated that he had their "full support" despite harsh criticism from Rt.

Rev. Martin Hein.

2010

In 2010, Kobia was appointed Ecumenical Special Envoy to Sudan by the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC).

Kobia is married to Ruth, and they have two daughters, Kaburo and Nkatha, and two sons, Mwenda and Mutua.

Sam Kobia grew up in a rural home in Meru, eastern province of Kenya, where he completed primary and secondary education under the British colonial system.

In 2010, Kobia was appointed Ecumenical Special Envoy to Sudan by the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC).