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
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
A single-story building of approximately 19,000 square feet, the Nairobi temple has an exterior of cast-in-place concrete, with the stone veneer made of Portuguese Moleanos limestone. The exterior designs feature the African lily (agapanthus) — which is also predominant in the art glass and interior designs — along with circles and repeated patterns with native influences. The edifice stands on a 3.435-acre site.
The blue-lavender African lily and other floral designs and patterns are found throughout the interior design, fitting since Nairobi is one of the largest exporters of flowers on the African continent. The interior furniture is of British colonial design, the art glass includes floral patterns in a blue-and-green palate, and the walls feature neutral tones as inspired by the Kenyan savannah.
Besides carpeting and rugs, the flooring also includes porcelain Cerim Marfil stone with quartzite blue and verde imperiale accents, with the Portuguese Moleanos limestone used for stone skirtings. Doors and millwork are made of sapele mahogany from Africa, and the patterning in the altars, pews, recommend desk and instruction room complements the art glass, floral arrangements and geometric motifs throughout the temple.
Interior Photos of the Nairobi Kenya Temple
