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Nairobi Kenya Temple

Announced
2 April 2017
Groundbreaking
11 September 2021
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.”

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.

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.

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
This was one of the last five temples announced by President Thomas S. Monson before he passed away in January 2018.
Fact #3
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 #4
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
Groundbreaking
11 September 2021
Groundbreaking Presided by
Elder Joseph W. Sitati
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
This was one of the last five temples announced by President Thomas S. Monson before he passed away in January 2018.
Fact #3
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 #4
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.