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In the Almanac

Nairobi Kenya Temple

Announced
2 April 2017
DEDICATED
18 May 2025
A rendering of the Nairobi Kenya Temple.
A rendering of the Nairobi Kenya Temple.The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Kenya and nearby countries in relation to the Nairobi Kenya Temple’s location.
Kenya and nearby countries in relation to the Nairobi Kenya Temple’s location.Screenshot from Google Maps
The Nairobi Kenya Temple’s location in the city of Nairobi.
The Nairobi Kenya Temple’s location in the city of Nairobi.Screenshot from Google Maps

Groundbreaking of the Nairobi Kenya Temple

The groundbreaking of the Nairobi Kenya Temple was presided over by Elder Joseph W. Sitati, Africa Central Area president, on Sept. 11, 2021. A Kenyan Member of Parliament, the Honourable Mr. Opiyo Wandayi, was also in attendance and shared a message written by the Right Honorable Raila Odinga, former prime minister of Kenya.

In his remarks to the congregation, Elder Sitati said that temples “usher in peace in the world, because of the effect they have on people’s hearts. That is why this is a special day.”

The Nairobi Kenya Temple is scheduled to be dedicated May 18, 2025, by Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Timeline of the Nairobi Kenya Temple

April
02
2017
Announced
President Thomas S. Monson announced a temple for Nairobi, Kenya, on April 2, 2017, during April 2017 general conference.
September
11
2021
Groundbreaking
The Nairobi Kenya Temple groundbreaking ceremony was held on Sept. 11, 2021, with Elder Joseph W. Sitati, president of the Africa Central Area, presiding. Due to COVID-19 social restrictions, in-person attendance to the event was limited, but it was livestreamed to meetinghouses and homes across Kenya and some neighboring countries.
April
17
2025
Open house
A public open house for the temple will be held from April 17 to May 3, 2025. A media day will also be held April 14, and invited guests will tour the building from April 15 to April 16, 2025.
May
18
2025
Dedication
Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will dedicate the Nairobi Kenya Temple on May 18, 2025, during a single session.

The Nairobi Kenya Temple was announced April 2, 2017, by Church President Thomas S. Monson. The groundbreaking and site dedication for this house of the Lord were held on Sept. 11, 2021, and presided over by Elder Joseph W. Sitati, Africa Central Area president.

After a public open house from April 17 to May 3, 2025, the Nairobi Kenya Temple will be dedicated May 18, 2025, by Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Architecture and Design of the Nairobi Kenya Temple

According to plans and exterior renderings, the Nairobi temple will be a one-story building with rectangular windows around the exterior and an arched window over the entrance. Above the temple will be a tower on a square base, with an arched window on each of the four sides and a spire on top that leads up to a point. Grass, flower gardens and some trees will decorate the grounds.

Groundbreaking Photos of the Nairobi Kenya Temple

Guests help to symbolically start construction by turning ceremonial shovelfuls of soil at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Nairobi Kenya Temple on Sept. 11, 2021.
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Guests help to symbolically start construction by turning ceremonial shovelfuls of soil at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Nairobi Kenya Temple on Sept. 11, 2021. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Members of the Mountain View Ward of the Nairobi Kenya West Stake watch the live streaming of the Nairobi Kenya Temple groundbreaking services in a meetinghouse on Sept. 11, 2021.
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Members of the Mountain View Ward of the Nairobi Kenya West Stake watch the live streaming of the Nairobi Kenya Temple groundbreaking services in a meetinghouse on Sept. 11, 2021. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
A choir sings at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Nairobi Kenya Temple on Sept. 11, 2021.
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A choir sings at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Nairobi Kenya Temple on Sept. 11, 2021. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Shovels at the Nairobi Kenya Temple groundbreaking ceremony on Sept. 11, 2021.
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Shovels at the Nairobi Kenya Temple groundbreaking ceremony on Sept. 11, 2021. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Elder and Sister Sitati turn their shovels at the Nairobi Kenya Groundbreaking ceremony on Sept. 11, 2021.
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Elder and Sister Sitati turn their shovels at the Nairobi Kenya Groundbreaking ceremony on Sept. 11, 2021. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Additional Facts

Fact #1
This will be the first Latter-day Saint temple in Kenya.
Fact #2
It will be the first house of the Lord in all of East Africa.
Fact #3
This was one of the last five temples announced by President Thomas S. Monson before he passed away in January 2018.
Fact #4
When the Nairobi temple is dedicated, its temple district will include the countries of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Djibouti.
Fact #5
Latter-day Saints in Kenya currently reside in the Johannesburg South Africa Temple district. Johannesburg is a flight of more than four hours and more than 1,800 aerial miles or a drive of 2,400 miles and 48 hours from Nairobi.
Fact #6
On May 21, 2022, Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles toured the Nairobi Kenya Temple site. He told the media, “I speak as an Apostle of Jesus Christ. I know that God loves the people of Kenya. We as a Church are grateful to have freedom of religion here. May God bless this wonderful country of Kenya and all its wonderful citizens.” His remarks were broadcast live on Kenya’s public TV station.

Quick Facts

Announced
2 April 2017
DEDICATED
18 May 2025
TO BE DEDICATED BY
Elder Ulisses Soares
Location

Waiyaki Way
Mountain Estate, Kangemi, Nairobi
Kenya

Appointments
View schedule and book online

Additional Facts

Fact #1
This will be the first Latter-day Saint temple in Kenya.
Fact #2
It will be the first house of the Lord in all of East Africa.
Fact #3
This was one of the last five temples announced by President Thomas S. Monson before he passed away in January 2018.
Fact #4
When the Nairobi temple is dedicated, its temple district will include the countries of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Djibouti.
Fact #5
Latter-day Saints in Kenya currently reside in the Johannesburg South Africa Temple district. Johannesburg is a flight of more than four hours and more than 1,800 aerial miles or a drive of 2,400 miles and 48 hours from Nairobi.
Fact #6
On May 21, 2022, Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles toured the Nairobi Kenya Temple site. He told the media, “I speak as an Apostle of Jesus Christ. I know that God loves the people of Kenya. We as a Church are grateful to have freedom of religion here. May God bless this wonderful country of Kenya and all its wonderful citizens.” His remarks were broadcast live on Kenya’s public TV station.