Nairobi Kenya Temple Wiki

Quick Facts

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History

In February 1998, President Gordon B. Hinckley—accompanied by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles—embarked on an international tour of five African countries and locations in Canada, the Canary Islands, and Cape Verde.

During the afternoon of February 17, 1998, President Hinckley arrived in Nairobi, Kenya, where he addressed some 900 members in a conference room at his hotel. Members were elated to meet the prophet and traveled from as far as Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, and Uganda to be with him. Because not all could afford a trip to Nairobi, some members joined their money together to send representatives who could come back and relate the experience of being with the prophet of the Lord. During his remarks, President Hinckley said, “There isn’t the slightest doubt in my mind that the time will come if you will walk in faith and patience that a temple will be built in this land to serve the needs of this people. Now, don’t count on it for a few years,…but it will be so.”^[1]”President Hinckley Uplifts Members in Nova Scotia, Africa, Northern Mexico,” Ensign May 1998: 110–116.

Announcement

On 14 June 2017, a media event was held to familiarize members of the press with the recently announced Nairobi Kenya Temple. A variety of media outlets and opinion leaders were in attendance. Elder Joseph W. Sitati of the Seventy was the key speaker, addressing the importance of temples and fielding questions from attendees.

Location Announcement

The site of the Mountain View Ward meetinghouse in northwestern Nairobi was selected as the location for the Nairobi Kenya Temple.

Render Released

Groundbreaking Announced

The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced that the groundbreaking ceremony for the Nairobi Kenya Temple will be held on Saturday, 11 September 2021. Elder Joseph W. Sitati, Africa Central Area president, will preside at the event. Attendance at the groundbreaking ceremony will be by invitation only.^[3]“Groundbreakings Announced for Temples in Pennsylvania and Kenya.” newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org, 14 July 2021, newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/groundbreakings-announced-for-temples-in-pennsylvania-and-kenya.

A site location had yet to be released for the temple.

Groundbreaking

Elder Matthew L. Carpenter, a General Authority Seventy and counselor in the area presidency, said: In temples husbands and wives can be sealed — which means married or bound — together forever, and have their children sealed — or bound — to them as a family, forever. These sealing blessings again are not only for this life, but they are for all eternity. . . . The day will come when one of us will die and we will be separated for a short time from each other. Knowing that we have made the marriage covenant with God by the proper authority, I know we will be together for all eternity. That brings great comfort and peace. That same comfort and peace can rest with each person who enters the temple of God.

Also attending the event was Kenyan Member of Parliament, the Honorable Opiyo Wandayi, who shared a message written by the Right Honorable Raila Odinga, former Prime Minister of Kenya, and a member of the Anglican faith. That message underscored hope as well.

He wrote, “Kenya has . . . a long, unique and proud tradition of tolerance and cooperation between faiths. . . . The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has continued the tradition of not only providing for our spiritual needs, but also for our physical ones. I therefore wholly welcome the decision to put up a dwelling place for God in Nairobi.” He further stated in his message that he thanked the Church “most sincerely, for the work [it has] done this past year and over the years to sustain the faith, hope and physical well-being of our people. At a very difficult time, members of the Church have been in the forefront, giving us reason to hope.”

Construction Visit

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.^[5]“Apostle Concludes Ministry in Africa at Temple Site.” news-africa.churchofjesuschrist.org, 23 May 2022, news-africa.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/apostle-concludes-ministry-in-africa-at-temple-site.

Dedication/Open House Announced

On 13 January 2025 the Church announced the details for the Open House and Dedication of the Nairobi Kenya Temple. A media day for the Nairobi Kenya Temple will be held on Monday, April 14, 2025, and invited guests will tour the temple on Tuesday, April 15, and Wednesday, April 16, 2025. A public open house will run from Thursday, April 17, through Saturday, May 3, excluding Sundays.

Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will dedicate the temple in one session on Sunday, May 18, 2025. The dedicatory session will be broadcast to all units in the temple district.^[6]Taylor, Scott. “Dedication, Open House Dates Set for Nairobi Kenya Temple.” Church News, 14 Jan. 2025, www.thechurchnews.com/temples/2025/01/13/nairobi-kenya-temple-dates-open-house-dedication-elder-ulisses-soares.

Open House

Dedication

Dedicatory Order