Background & Ministry Roots
Kestin Mbogo is a Kenyan gospel worship leader, singer, songwriter, and recording artist passionately committed to drawing people closer to God through worship. Originally from Meru County, she traces her spiritual and musical roots to her early ministry in GGV Church, where mentorship from Bishop Kariuki helped shape her into a powerful worship voice.
Kestin pursued formal training in music at Kenyatta University after initially enrolling in theatre arts. She first completed a Music Diploma (with distinction) between 2012 and 2014, then progressed to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Music by 2020 ,balancing study with financial hardship using scholarships and community support.
Teaching & Leadership
While studying, Kestin served as a music instructor at Kenyatta University. She later taught at elite schools such as Almasi International and Braeburn Imani, before joining the worship team at International Christian Church (ICC) in Imara Daima, Nairobi in early 2019. Together with her husband, Mark Kiptoo, she leads the church’s worship ministry.
Music & Discography
Kestin’s recorded ministry began with the song “Yesu Pekee” in collaboration with Davis Kiarie in May 2018, marking her debut in gospel music. Subsequently, she spent seven years with the Sounds of Worship Band under James Kahero, contributing the original song “Ahadi” .
Her first album, This Generation (Live) (2022), features uplifting praise favorites like Usifiwe, Worthy Of My Praise (feat. Alice Kimanzi), and Nimepakwa; songs that quickly became staples in Kenyan praise sets
Her sophomore release, Atah (Intimacy with God) [Live Set 1] (2025), delves deeper into themes of intimacy with God, with standout tracks including Sitasahau (feat. Pastor Emmanuel Mule), Come to the Father, Stay (feat. Winnie Wambui), Natamani Nikuone (feat. Israel Kakondja), and Satisfy
Collaborations & Influence
Kestin has collaborated extensively across East Africa, including features with Naomi Bandi on Jehovah Wewe, Eunice Meshack on Mungu Mkuu, and Essence of Worship on Damu (Live). These projects demonstrate her reach beyond Kenya and her place within broader worship movements.
Style & Impact
Ceaseless in spirit and marked by a vibrant worship style, her songs blend joyful praise with intimate worship, deeply rooted in biblical truth. Her compositions like Worthy Of My Praise and Nimepakwa reflect themes of gratitude and divine victory and are widely adopted in church worship sets across East Africa.
Personal Life & Vision
Kestin is married to Mark Kiptoo, a partner in ministry and worship leadership at ICC Imara Daima. Together, they serve the Nairobi church in spiritual and practical leadership roles.
Her ministry vision centers on equipping the body of Christ through transformative worship. The album Atah, meaning “intimacy with God,” serves as a reflection of her call to deepen spiritual connection through consistent engagement with God in prayer, worship, and prophetic listening