Dr. John Mbugua

John has been married to Mary for over 30 years, and their marriage has been blessed with two sons, Kevin and Martin, who are now adults.

They reside in Ruaka, Kenya, and fellowship at Karura Community Chapel. For over 25 years, John has faithfully served in various ministries within the chapel, including as a leader of a Community Life Group (CLG), Deacon for Ushering, Church Secretary, Chairman of the Elders’ Court, and Trustee.

Currently, John serves as the Chairman of the National Governing Council (NGC) of Bible Life Fellowship Kenya (BLFK). He also sits on several other boards, both profit and non-profit (faith-based) organizations.

Most of the positions in which John serves are pro bono, but they have afforded him valuable experience as well as honorary recognition. In 2024, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Business Administration in Leadership and Innovation.

John is a seasoned insurance professional and leadership consultant with over 35 years of experience ,founder of clergy retirement planning ministry & Beacon of Hope Insurance . 

Over the course of his career, John has earned four professional insurance diplomas through examination—two local and two international—culminating in the esteemed designation of Fellowship. He has also attained other professional qualifications, including a Diploma in Risk Management, a Diploma in Applied Psychology (Consumer Behaviour), and a Diploma in Organic Agriculture.

John is a member of several professional bodies, including the Institute of Directors–Kenya, the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM), the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) in London, UK, the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Kenya Chapter), the Insurance Institute of Kenya (IIK), and the Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM), among others.

Beyond his professional and leadership engagements, John enjoys reading and writing. In 2025, he authored his first book titled Shepherding the Sunset Years for Clergy.

Books by Dr. John Mbugua

“Impacting lives with Christian literature”

Health Insurance for Seniors (2026)

Health is wealth, but for many seniors, health insurance feels like a luxury.

When your golden years arrive, will your healthcare be covered, or will you face the reality of being too old for the system?

In Health Insurance for Seniors, veteran insurance expert Mzee J. M. Mbugua exposes the gaps, frustrations, and opportunities within Kenya’s public and private health systems. From the complexities of NHIF and SHIF to the high cost of private insurance, and from the struggles of retired professionals to the experiences of ordinary citizens, this book offers both clarity and hope.

Rooted in real-life stories and anchored in Scripture, Mbugua reminds us that God cares about our wellbeing, both physical and spiritual. He challenges readers to embrace wisdom, integrity, and compassion as we rethink how we care for the elderly in our communities.

Whether you are a policymaker, caregiver, pastor, senior citizen, or someone caring for aging parents, this book will equip you to make informed decisions and advocate for a healthcare system that reflects God’s justice, mercy, and concern for all.

Shepherding the Sunset Years for Clergy (2025)

What happens when the shepherd reaches his sunset years?

After decades of preaching, counselling, serving, and caring for others, many clergy face retirement with questions about identity, purpose, finances, health, and their continued place in ministry. Yet retirement is not the end of a calling—it is the beginning of a new season.

In Shepherding the Sunset Years for Clergy, Dr. John Mbugua offers practical and biblical guidance to help pastors navigate life beyond full-time ministry. Drawing on real-life experiences, financial insights, health considerations, and biblical wisdom, he addresses the challenges and opportunities that accompany retirement while helping clergy remain relevant, joyful, and purposeful in post-ministry life.

This timely resource equips clergy, church leaders, and families to approach retirement with dignity, stewardship, and hope. It reminds us that while ministry roles may change, God’s calling remains, and that the sunset years can be a season of continued fruitfulness, mentorship, and Kingdom impact.

Get Your Copy of Shepherding the Sunset Years for Clergy

RRP: KES 1,490
Buy from CLC Kenya Buy from ACABA Read With Me at MABB Buy from Nuria Bookstore
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Welcome to the Book1 Launch

Shepherding the Sunset years for Clergy

“Impacting lives with Christian literature”

What was the catalyst for this story? Can you share the specific moment, experience, or inner burden that made you realize this book simply had to be written?

Pastors after retirement often lead a desolate life. Many become a forgotten lot as congregations move on with the new senior pastor. A pastor may shepherd a church for 40 years and then retire, only to struggle with significance, relevance, the use of time, and medical bills. Unfortunately, some even die before their time.

I felt I needed to do something. So, I started training pastors on retirement planning. However, many kept asking for materials they could refer to and read later. That need gave birth to this book as a reference resource and a way of reaching a wider audience.

Who did you envision while writing this book, and what is the ultimate emotional or spiritual shift you hope they experience by the final page?

The target audience is clergy, church administrators, church elders, church leaders, and any church-going person who carries a burden for their pastor.

By the time they reach the last page, I hope they will clearly understand the importance of planning early for a pastor’s retirement life. Whether it is church leaders supporting their pastors themselves, my desire is that they begin preparing intentionally for the retirement journey and the season that follows active ministry.

Which chapter or message stretched you the most? Was there a specific section that was uniquely challenging or deeply meaningful for you to pen?

Yes, the section on behavioural science and behavioural economics, particularly the psychology of money. We all see and experience money differently. It is only when we undergo behavioural change and develop a healthy respect for money that we can find the best ways to use it.

Although the Bible provides excellent guidelines on stewardship, our mindset dictates much about how we behave and act. That made this section both challenging and meaningful to write.

Writing a book is a journey in itself. In what ways did living with this message transform your own faith, perspective, or personal walk?

I am retired myself, so a question that is always at the back of my mind is: Am I practising what I am teaching? I do not want to preach water and drink wine, so to speak.

Sometimes I feel like I am treading on eggshells, and I often tell my audience that I too am a work in progress. Like them, I am still learning, adjusting, and applying the very principles I share.

For the viewer listening right now who feels a stir in their heart, why is it vital that they step into this message and read this book in this exact season of their life?

Retirement is part of life. It is real. It is either ahead of us or already here.

For younger people, this book offers the opportunity to learn and apply its lessons early enough. For those nearing retirement, there are still important adjustments that can make a significant difference. And for those already retired, it is not too late. The message remains relevant and can bring fresh insight into areas such as loneliness, purpose, relevance, and how to navigate this season of life well.

Welcome to the Book2 Launch

Health Insurance for Seniors

“Impacting lives with Christian literature”

What inspired the story behind this book—what moment, experience, or inner burden made you realize, “This book needs to be written”?

I have a deep passion for seeing pastors finish well. This led me to look at their health in old age, but instead of writing only for pastors, I felt it would be better to explore the health needs of all senior citizens.

Healthcare and health insurance contribute significantly to wellbeing, so I undertook extensive research and wrote about senior citizens’ health insurance. I had seen many friends looking for health insurance for their parents late in the day, only to find doors closed when support was needed most. What next?

At the same time, we must never forget God as the ultimate healer. As one hospital aptly puts it, “We treat, God heals.”

Who is the intended audience for this book, and what kind of transformation do you hope readers will undergo after reading it?

The intended audience includes people supporting elderly parents, senior citizens themselves, and those approaching their senior years.

My hope is that the book will help them focus on the health insurance options available to seniors and enable them to make informed decisions. Whether it is emergency medical cover, overseas treatment, setting up a medical fund, or taking insurance, the options are many. The key is choosing what best suits your circumstances, armed with the right information.

 

Was there a particular chapter, message, or section that was especially challenging—or especially meaningful—for you to write? Why?

As a retired insurance professional with over 35 years of experience, one of the most difficult chapters for me to write was the one on families using a medical fund as an alternative to medical insurance. It almost felt like a betrayal of the insurance industry, and I know some former colleagues may disagree with me.

However, I know families who have pooled resources to cater for the medical needs of their ageing parents because of the restrictions often found in medical insurance covers. These funds are usually invested in cash-equivalent investments for easy access when medical bills arise.

I felt it was important to present all the options available to my readers.

In what ways did writing this book transform you personally—your faith, your mindset, or your journey?

One lesson was the importance of speaking the truth. I wanted my readers to have all the information they need to weigh their options and make informed decisions.

I also wanted to demystify insurance, which is often poorly understood by the general public. Most books on health insurance are written for students pursuing insurance qualifications rather than ordinary people seeking practical guidance.

Information on treatment abroad, especially in countries such as India, is often scattered. It was satisfying to bring together the different pieces of information and compare treatment costs in India and Kenya. If the information in this book helps save even one life, it will have achieved its purpose.

For someone watching right now who feels connected to this message, why is it important for them to read this book in this season of their life?

Hosea 4:6 says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Knowledge is power—the power to make wise choices.

This book will help you make informed decisions about your own health insurance or that of your parents, relatives, and loved ones. It explains complex issues in a simple and practical way, enabling you to plan better and act wisely before a crisis arises.

A message from Dr. Muthoni Omukhango, the National Director at CLC Kenya and Head of Publishing

Today, we gather not just to launch books, but to celebrate a lifetime of service, wisdom, and impact.

Dr. John M. Mbugua, we celebrate you.

On behalf of the publishing family, it is our honour to congratulate you on the release of Shepherding the Sunset Years for Clergy and Health Insurance for Seniors.

These books are more than publications—they are timely resources born out of decades of ministry, professional expertise, and a genuine concern for the wellbeing of pastors, retirees, and senior citizens.

Through these works, you have addressed important conversations on retirement, healthcare, stewardship, and aging with wisdom, compassion, and practical insight. You remind us that every season of life matters and that preparation today can lead to dignity, peace, and purpose tomorrow.

May these books continue to educate, encourage, and equip many for years to come.

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3 Comments
Mary Mbugua`
Mary Mbugua`
18/11/2025 1:45 pm

Shepherding the Sunset Years for Clergy is a deeply thoughtful and timely book that speaks to every minister preparing for their next season of life. What I appreciate most is how Dr. John Mbugua balances practical financial guidance with godly wisdom — reminding us that true stewardship means pausing, praying, and seeking understanding before making decisions.
The book clearly outlines the foundations of retirement planning: pensions, emergency funds, health coverage, and responsible investments, while wisely cautioning against chasing trends or acting out of fear of missing out.
It is a message rooted in Scripture and experience, reminding us, just as Proverbs teaches, that “the prudent considers his steps.” This book will bless many clergy families and help them prepare for retirement with confidence, clarity, and peace of mind.

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Martin
Martin
18/11/2025 1:32 pm

Shepherding the Sunset Years for Clergy is an exceptional blend of biblical truth and practical stewardship. Dr. John Mbugua powerfully reminds readers that true retirement preparation begins with wisdom, prudence, and understanding — “the principal thing” (Proverbs 4:7).
What stood out to me is how he highlights the importance of foundations — pensions, emergency funds, health cover, and wise investments — before chasing modern trends like crypto. It’s taught me to ask questions such as “Should I invest?”, a principle of stewardship that protects many from hasty, fear-driven decisions.
This book is much more than financial advice. It’s a call to steward all seasons of one’s life, not just the final one, with purpose, dignity, and honor.

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Mzee JM
Mzee JM
18/11/2025 11:42 am

Great topic on retirement

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wpdiscuz   wpDiscuz

Authors Published by CLC Kenya

“Impacting lives with Christian literature”

From the Publishing Outreach

Meet Authors Published by CLC Kenya

John Mbugua

John Mbugua

johnmbuguamail ACABA Nineteen | Authors | CLC Book Launches

Dr. John M. Mbugua is a seasoned pastor, retired insurance professional, author, and mentor with over 35 years of experience in the insurance industry and decades of service in Christian ministry. He is passionate about helping people make wise decisions that enhance their wellbeing, strengthen their financial security, and honour God.

Drawing from his extensive expertise in insurance, healthcare planning, and pastoral ministry, Dr. Mbugua is committed to equipping individuals, families, and church leaders with practical knowledge for navigating life’s transitions with wisdom and confidence. His writing reflects a deep concern for the wellbeing of senior citizens and the importance of planning for the future with both faith and foresight.

Dr. Mbugua combines professional insight, real-life experiences, and biblical principles to help readers understand healthcare options, prepare for the challenges of aging, and make informed decisions that promote dignity, security, and peace of mind in their later years.

Joanne Kabiru-Mucheru

Joanne Kabiru-Mucheru

CLC Kenya Authors | CLC Book Launches

God rarely rushes what He intends to refine. In God’s Process, Joanne Kabiru-Mucheru gently but firmly walks believers through a truth we often resist: the Lord works through process—and process comes with feelings.

Flora Awiti

Flora Awiti

CLC Kenya Authors | CLC Book Launches

Flora Awiti aka Molly, is a renowned psychologist with extensive experience in mental health and psychosocial support, working with both camp and urban refugees. She is a global trainer in mental health topics, a certified Abundant Life Coach and certified Play and Art Therapist for children. Awiti is dedicated to helping women and girls understand their worth and value and reducing toxic relationships. She is also passionate about working with children and has taught Sunday school for several years. Her work with clients from around the world demonstrates her commitment to empowering women and girls.

Christina Mwaura

Christina Mwaura

Valerian Vanessa Authors | CLC Book Launches

Christina Wanjala Mwaura is a born-again Christian, wife, mother, and minister of the Gospel. A communications specialist with a degree from Maseno University, she passionately mentors pre-teens and young adults through teaching, discipleship, and camps. Raised in a strong Christian home, her journey includes a powerful story of redemption after drifting during her youth. Today, Christina is devoted to equipping the next generation to embrace their God-given identity and purpose. Beautifully Broken reflects her heart—to lead others from brokenness into divine destiny.

Pacifica Mochache

Pacifica Mochache

Valerian Vanessa Authors | CLC Book Launches

Pacifica Mochache was born in Kisii, grew up in Kericho, and worked in Nairobi, Kenya. She holds a degree from the University of South Africa (UNISA). As a young mother, Pacifica dedicated her time to teaching children in Kindergarten and Early Teens Classes at her local Church.

She is a proud mother of three adult children, and a grandmother to two adorable grandchildren. After retiring from a distinguished career with the United Nations, Pacifica now devotes her time to serving God in her local Church.

Purity Gikaara

Purity Gikaara

Valerian Vanessa Authors | CLC Book Launches

Ev. Purity Gikaara is a devoted evangelist, counsellor, and author who is passionate about transforming lives through faith and biblical truth. She has served as an evangelist at P.C.E.A. Evergreen Runda for over 15 years, witnessing the transformative power of the Gospel.

She has been married to Rev. Edward Gikaara for 25 years, and together they are blessed with three children. Her husband serves as a minister in the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (P.C.E.A.) and is currently stationed at P.C.E.A. Pipeline Parish.

Purity holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Counselling Psychology from Pan Africa Christian University, equipping her to minister effectively to those seeking spiritual and emotional healing.

Grace W. Wanjaiya

Grace W. Wanjaiya

Valerian Vanessa Authors | CLC Book Launches

Grace Wanjiru Wanjaiya is a committed follower of Jesus Christ, is a believer in the saving grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and a trained Counselling Psychologist with a Master’s Degree from International Leadership University. After serving for more than thirty years in the Ministry of Agriculture, she has continued to dedicate her life to counseling, teaching, and Christian ministry.

Passionate about helping people navigate life’s challenges with faith and hope, Grace draws from Scripture, professional counseling experience, and personal life lessons to encourage others. Through Attitude of Gratitude, she shares a powerful message on the transforming power of thanksgiving, inviting readers to discover peace, joy, and contentment in every season of life by recognizing God’s goodness and faithfulness.

Winny Lucy Munene

Winny Lucy Munene

Valerian Vanessa Authors | CLC Book Launches

Deeply committed to helping individuals find healing and restoration, Winny Lucy Munene devotes her work to supporting those who suffer silently, guiding them towards overcoming trauma, rediscovering their worth, and embracing a life of wholeness and purpose. Through her professional training in coaching, psychotherapy, and personal development, she continues to empower individuals to break through hidden barriers and pursue meaningful personal transformation.

Lucy Konji

Lucy Konji

Valerian Vanessa Authors | CLC Book Launches

Lucy Konji is an economist, mentor, wife, mother, and devoted follower of Christ whose life has been shaped by faith, resilience, and a passion for making a positive impact. Originally from Kenya and now based in Canada, Lucy has spent many years encouraging individuals, families, and communities through mentorship, practical wisdom, and her unwavering trust in God. Driven by a desire to leave a lasting legacy, she seeks to leave every person she encounters better than she found them. Through Born Searching: A Life of Faith, Hope, and Resilience, Lucy shares her inspiring journey of overcoming challenges, embracing purpose, and discovering God’s faithfulness through every season of life.

Damaris Achar

Damaris Achar

Valerian Vanessa Authors | CLC Book Launches

Damaris Achar is a Christian author and community advocate passionate about strengthening families and empowering women through biblical truth and practical knowledge. She has devoted herself to raising awareness about perimenopause through churches, families, and women’s groups. Married to James Achar, she is a mother, grandmother, and an advocate for hope, healing, and healthy families.

Mireille Ngendakuriyo

Mireille Ngendakuriyo

Valerian Vanessa Authors | CLC Book Launches

Mireille Ngendakuriyo is a Christian writer, gospel singer, and passionate servant of God. She is committed to helping people discover new life in Jesus Christ, embrace their identity and purpose in Him, and build a strong spiritual foundation that impacts generations.

Nomathemba Mhlophe Haselau

Nomathemba Mhlophe Haselau

Valerian Vanessa Authors | CLC Book Launches

Nomathemba Mhlophe Haselau is a devoted Christian, retired Anglican lay minister, qualified nurse, and health trainer from South Africa. Drawing from more than thirty years of nursing experience, personal family experiences, and her Christian faith, she writes to encourage healing, restoration, and hope for individuals and families navigating generational challenges.

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