The Catholic Church in Kenya has unveiled a new brand of altar wine to be used during Holy Mass, following concerns that the previous brand had become widely available in liquor stores and bars across the country, compromising its sacred significance.
The newly introduced wine, officially labelled “Mass Wine”, bears the coat of arms of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) and an authorized signature confirming its authenticity and exclusive use for liturgical purposes.
According to Archbishop Anthony Muheria of Nyeri, the initiative was taken to restore reverence to the Eucharistic celebration and ensure that the wine used for the sacrament remains distinct from commercial products. 
“The newly approved wine is not for sale at any business outlet. It is imported and owned by the KCCB and only distributed to dioceses,” Archbishop Muheria told the BBC.
“This assures purity from source.”
For years, the Church had used a locally distributed altar wine that eventually became available for public sale in supermarkets, hotels, and bars. The widespread commercial distribution, according to Church authorities, blurred the line between what is sacred and what is secular.
“It has become common that, unfortunately, the former wine is readily available in secular outlets and bars,” Archbishop Muheria lamented.
To address the situation, the bishops conducted a comprehensive review of various wine options before settling on a South African vintage deemed suitable for liturgical use.
The new wine was formally introduced to thousands of worshippers during the National Prayer Day held at the Subukia National Marian Shrine in Nakuru County last Saturday.
Holding a bottle of the new sacramental wine, Archbishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba, chairman of the KCCB, announced that the product would henceforth be the only authorized altar wine to be used in Mass celebrations across all Catholic churches in Kenya.
“This is the only wine that will be used in Mass celebrations across the country going forward,” Archbishop Makumba declared.
“All parishes are directed to discontinue use of the old brand and strictly follow the new distribution guidelines.”
The Church emphasized that the production and composition of altar wine are governed by Canon Law, which requires that the wine used for Holy Communion be made purely from grapes and free from additives.
Archbishop Muheria explained that Catholic bishops in each country are tasked with monitoring the quality and standards of both the wine and the Eucharistic hosts used in Mass. This vigilance, he said, is reviewed periodically to ensure adherence to sacred tradition.
The label on the new wine carries a spiritual inscription:
“The fruit of the vine and the work of human hands will become our cup of joy,”
a reflection of the wine’s divine purpose in the liturgy.
Many members of the Catholic community have praised the decision, describing it as a much-needed step toward safeguarding the sanctity of the Eucharist.
“It is a valid step toward preserving the sacredness of the Eucharist and ensuring that only properly prepared wine is used for Mass,” one Catholic faithful told the BBC.
The shift also highlights growing awareness among Church leaders about the need to distinguish religious elements from commercialized imitations.
Kenya remains one of the most Christian nations in Africa, with over 80% of its 50 million citizens identifying as Christians. Of these, approximately 10 million around 20% of the total population are Catholics.
The Catholic Church plays a prominent role in Kenya’s social and spiritual life, operating schools, hospitals, and charities across the country.
In many parishes, the use of altar wine known in Swahili as divai fluctuates depending on the liturgical calendar, with demand peaking during major religious seasons such as Easter and Christmas.
With the introduction of the new wine, Church authorities say they hope to restore full reverence to one of Christianity’s holiest rituals the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, symbolizing the blood of Jesus Christ shed for the salvation of humanity.
