Paul Keno

My parents were religious—my father belonged to an African traditional church, while my mother was Roman Catholic. I followed my mother and became actively involved in the Catholic church, serving as an altar boy and assisting in sacraments. I believed salvation came by religious works, but I did not know Christ personally.

In 1993, while in high school, I attended a Christian meeting where the preacher spoke from Hebrews 11:6. I was deeply convicted as I realized Jesus Christ is the only Mediator between God and men—not the priest. I acknowledged my sinfulness, repented, and trusted in Jesus Christ as my Savior and King.

From that day, the Lord transformed my life. I developed a hunger for His Word and a passion to share the gospel. God also began to free me from sinful habits like anger and revenge, replacing them with self-control and a desire to grow in holiness. In 1994, I was baptized in the Indian Ocean in Mombasa.

The preacher also quoted 1 John 1:9, which reminded me that only Jesus can forgive and cleanse sin. I no longer confessed to a priest but to Christ Himself.

In 1998, I began sensing a call to full-time ministry. I resigned from my job and pursued theological training. I planted a church in Kitale under the Redeemed Gospel denomination and later moved to Eldoret to plant another. During the 2008 post-election violence, I took refuge in the home of Pastor Naphtally Ogallo, who introduced me to the Doctrines of Grace.

The Bible says, “If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, it is a noble task” (1 Timothy 3:1). In 2013, my family returned to Eldoret and joined Grace Baptist Church. Recognizing my ministry calling and theological needs, the church encouraged me to study at the Kisumu Reformed School of Theology (KReST). In 2014, Grace Baptist Church set me apart as a fellow elder alongside Pastor Ogallo.

The Lord has been gracious throughout my journey—saving me, reforming my doctrine, and calling me to shepherd His people.