Western Outreach was launched on 16th November 1986 at the University of Nairobi, Ufungamano house when a few Christian brethren who were students in the Universities within Nairobi hailing from Western Kenya met and formed what was then Western Students’
Outreach. The purpose and vision of forming WESO was based on Mark 3:14 “Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach….” The primary objective and vision of WESO was therefore to bring all brethren students from Western Kenya into a fellowship, which would also spread the word of God to Western Kenya and the rest of the world in general.
WESO grew both in numbers and scope and expanded to include brethren students in Universities outside Nairobi and non-University brethren students from tertiary institutions. Later, the members graduated from the Universities and tertiary institutions, necessitating the leaders to convert WESO from being just a student organization to a more general one. The name Western Students Outreach was therefore changed to Western Outreach, with the acronym WESO remaining unchanged. As WESO grew, there was need to reorganize its management, and this included engaging a full-time General Secretary as well as obtaining land and setting up a head quarter. The first fulltime General Secretary (GS) was appointed in 1995 and was based in Webuye town which was designated as the headquarters of WESO. A piece of land was acquired there and construction of WESO headquarters initiated.
Dynamics of society have changed since WESO was launched 36 years ago. This includes expansion of/university education through award of more university charters countrywide, opening of more tertiary institutions, promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, and significant increase in number of members. It became necessary to amend the constitution of WESO to make it relevant, applicable, and compliant with the contemporary realities, hence the present amendments.
To preach the gospel of the Kingdom of God as commanded by our Lord Jesus Christ in Mark 16:15, Acts 1:8 and Acts 20:20 beginning from Western Kenya with an aim of reaching the whole world through crusades, open air meetings, personal evangelization, trainings and any other forms of Christian evangelism and communication media. To encourage members in their fellowship with Christ and with one another according to 1 John 1:3 through fellowships, seminars, camps, retreats and any other forms of Christian meetings and communication media.
To create awareness and sensitize the members and public on the need to preserve the environment for posterity. To empower the public to take direct responsibility of the natural resources they depend on directly or indirectly for their livelihoods and how to exploit them in a sustainable manner. To mobilize members and the public to initiate, implement and manage or participate in environmental conservation projects and activities in their local and other areas.
To promote modern farming technologies that maximize land and labour productivity and are environmentally friendly. Encourage and promote farming systems that are sustainable and ensure balanced diets at household level to mitigate health and food related challenges.
To create awareness and sensitize members and the public on the existence and facts about existing and emerging health concerns. To create awareness and sensitize members and the public on dangers of using prohibited addictive drugs, alcohol, and other substances that the Bible teaches against.
To set up income generating activities that will ensure sustainability of The Society’s recurrent expenditures, projects, and activities. To encourage and support its members to engage in IGA at individual, household, or fellowship level to stem the challenges of unemployment and boosting members’ incomes.
