Allan Kiuna Biography: Born In A Slum To Sh460 Million Cancer Battle
The late Bishop Allan Kiuna rose from humble beginnings, battling alcoholism, to become one of Kenya’s most influential and wealthiest pastors.
Bishop Allan Kiuna was a distinguished pastor, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur, renowned for his dynamic leadership and profound impact on the religious community.
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As the co-founder and overseer of Jubilee Christian Church (JCC) alongside his wife, Reverend Kathy Kiuna, he transformed the church into one of Kenya’s largest and most influential ministries. His charismatic preaching style and practical teachings garnered a vast following both in Kenya and globally.
Allan Kiuna’s Early Life
Allan Kiuna was born at Pumwani Maternity Hospital and raised in Jericho, Nairobi, where his parents lived. When he was about 10 years old, his parents separated, and his mother moved to the Kariobangi North slums with her children, living in a one-room house on a monthly income of only Sh800. Kiuna attended Kimathi Estate Primary School, Ofafa Jericho High School, and Parklands High School for his A levels, later pursuing accounting at the tertiary level.
Growing up, Kiuna was introduced to alcohol and other substances at 14. This lifestyle affected his focus in school, leading to poor performance and the necessity to repeat his final high school exams. At 19, he turned his life around and committed to Christianity. Later, he reconnected with his father, who had moved to the village, and supported him financially until his death from liver cirrhosis in 2006.
Allan Kiuna’s Career
After completing his accounting studies, Kiuna worked as a cashier at a local bank. With his first salary, he moved from Kariobangi North to Buruburu and then to another bank as an accountant. Despite not having a passion for banking, he worked for about four years before quitting without a backup plan, feeling a calling to start a church ministry.
After leaving his banking job, Kiuna served Reverend Teresia Wairimu, doing menial tasks and gradually finding his path in ministry.
Meeting Kathy Kiuna
Kiuna met his wife Kathy while serving under Reverend Wairimu. Kathy was part of a worship team in a church where Rev. Wairimu often preached. Initially, Kiuna did not think much of her, but he eventually became interested and asked her out. They got married in 1994 and had three children together. Kiuna described Kathy as a supportive partner who stood by him during financial struggles.
Starting His Own Church
From 1996 to 1998, the couple served in Rev. Wairimu’s church. In 1999, Kiuna felt called by God to start their own church. With Rev. Wairimu’s blessing, they began their ministry in a small part of a hotel on Kimathi Street in Nairobi CBD. The church grew into the Jubilee Christian Centre, with locations in the UK, South Africa, and the U.S.
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Allan Kiuna’s Children
The couple has three children: Venessa, a lawyer; Stephanie, an architect; and Jeremy, who works in finance.
Allan Kiuna’s Assets
Allan Kiuna was among Kenya’s wealthiest preachers. The couple owns a mansion in Runda, featuring intricate architectural design and multiple levels. The property includes large windows, a grand entryway, manicured lawns, and vibrant flower beds. There are also reports of Kiuna owning a Cessna Citation X 1997 model worth Sh2.4 billion and other luxury cars.
Cancer Battle
Kiuna was diagnosed with multiple myeloma cancer in 2018/2019. He shared his battle publicly in 2019, expressing gratitude to God for his recovery. Reverend Kathy Kiuna revealed that chemotherapy caused him to lose hair, gain weight, and become physically weak. Kiuna underwent a year of treatment in the United States, costing approximately Sh460 million. Despite the financial burden, he credited God for providing for him during this time.
In early 2023, Kiuna returned home cancer-free, celebrating his 57th birthday and the couple’s 29th anniversary. However, it is unclear when the cancer relapsed, leading to his eventual demise.
