Early Life and Education
Born on November 11, 1966, in Githunguri, Kiambu County, Kenya, Peter Kimani Ndung'u is the son of the late Mr. Joseph Ndung'u and Janet Wambui. He began his secondary education at Queen of Apostles Junior Seminary in 1982, completing it in 1985, and continued with advanced certificate studies at the same seminary from 1986 to 1987. He pursued a diploma in philosophical and religious studies at the Apostles of Jesus Major Seminary from 1984 to 1990, followed by a Bachelor of Arts in Sacred Theology from 1991 to 1994. He was ordained a deacon in 1994 and a priest for the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi on July 22, 1995.
Priestly Ministry
Following his ordination, Fr. Kimani served in various capacities within the Archdiocese of Nairobi:
- 1995 – 1999: Assistant Priest at Saints Peter and Paul Parish, Kiambu.
- 1999 – 2001: Father in Charge at Holy Rosary Parish, Kamwangi.
- 2001 – 2024: National Chaplain of the Kenya Prisons Service.
- 2008 – 2024: Africa Representative to the International Catholic Commission for Prison Pastoral Care (ICCPPC).
His role as National Chaplain involved providing spiritual guidance and support to inmates and prison staff across Kenya. His work with the ICCPPC took him to countries such as Italy, Germany, Austria, the USA, Brazil, Argentina, and South Africa, reflecting his dedication to prison pastoral care on an international scale.
Academic Pursuits
Demonstrating a commitment to personal and professional growth, Fr. Kimani earned certificates in Counseling Skills for Rehabilitation of Offenders, Trauma Counseling Skills, and Staff Training for Correctional Leadership. These qualifications enhanced his effectiveness in his chaplaincy role, particularly in addressing the psychological and spiritual needs of prisoners.
Episcopal Appointment and Service
On August 15, 2024, Pope Francis appointed Rev. Fr. Peter Kimani Ndung'u as the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Embu. He was consecrated and installed as bishop on November 16, 2024, by Archbishop Hubertus Matheus Maria van Megen, the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya. In his inaugural address, Bishop Ndung'u emphasized the importance of focusing on youth and children within families, highlighting the need for spiritual guidance to foster strong family values