The Church in Kenya
In 1979, one year after the revelation extending priesthood ordination to men of African descent, many Kenyans began to show interest in the Church. After years of effort, the Church received recognition in February 1991 and began to grow quickly. The Nairobi Kenya Temple, the first in East Africa, was dedicated in 2025.
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History of the Church in Kenya
Beginning in the late 1960s, American expatriate Latter-day Saints in Kenya held Church services in their homes. This practice continued over the next 20 years, with Saints occasionally inviting their friends and neighbors to their meetings, sharing Church literature, and teaching the gospel in small, private ways. During this time, Kenyans living abroad also encountered Latter-day Saints, and a few were baptized.
In 1979, one year after the revelation extending the full blessings of the restored gospel to persons of African descent, many Kenyans began to investigate the Church. Many who embraced the restored gospel sought baptism. However, some local authorities were hostile to the new religious group and would not allow the Church to perform ordinances. For many years, these Saints patiently practiced their faith in private, fasted and prayed in hope of recognition, and diligently petitioned officials. Finally, in February 1991, the Church received recognition. Through this trial, Kenyan Saints found “glory in tribulations” and reason to “rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (see Romans 5:1–5).
After securing recognition, the Church grew quickly. The three branches in the Nairobi area in 1991 soon developed into many, as members invited their friends and neighbors to join them, and new converts were baptized throughout the country. In September 2001, the Nairobi Kenya Stake was organized.
Through their faithful service, Kenyan Saints have worked alongside their neighbors to build communities, increase access to resources, and share the light of the gospel.
The construction of the Nairobi Kenya Temple was announced during the April 2017 general conference.
Stories of Faith
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Notes
- Avant, Gerry. “Hope for Better Life Flows in Kenya.” Church News, Mar. 18, 1989.
- Howard, Roger H. “Papers, 1984–1988.” Church History Library, Salt Lake City.
- “Joseph W. Sitati.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Kasue, Nickson. Interview. Draper, Utah, Jan. 5, 2012. Church History Library, Salt Lake City.
- Kenya Nairobi Mission. “The History of the Church in Nairobi.”
- LeBaron, E. Dale. “Pioneering in Chyulu, Kenya.” Ensign, Feb. 2001, 30–34.
- Sitati, Joseph W., Daniel Muthiani, and Moses Tsombe. Interview. Nairobi, Kenya, Oct. 1998. Church History Library, Salt Lake City.