The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has officially opened its first temple in East Africa, marking a historic milestone for its members in the region. Located in Nairobi’s Mountain View area along Hinga Road, just off Waiyaki Way, the Nairobi Kenya Temple is now welcoming visitors for a public open house beginning this week.
This temple is the 204th worldwide and the first of its kind in East Africa. It will serve more than 80,000 Latter-day Saints across seven neighboring countries, providing a sacred space for ordinances such as eternal marriages and baptisms—key practices rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ.
“We stand amazed to see the construction of the house of the Lord here in Nairobi, Kenya,” said Elder Thierry Mutombo during a media tour on Monday.
“We are humbled to witness God’s love and tender mercies in blessing the Saints and their families on both sides of the veil,” he added. “The house of the Lord is built for worship and for making sacred covenants of eternal significance. I love to see the house of the Lord in this beautiful land of Kenya and the East Africa region.”
Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is scheduled to dedicate the temple on Sunday, May 18, 2025. The dedicatory session will be broadcast live to all congregations within the temple district.
Following the dedication, only worthy members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints may enter to worship, serve, and perform sacred ordinances.
The Church’s presence in Kenya began in 1979 with the first baptisms. By 1981, small congregations had been established in Nairobi and Kiboko. The first stake in Kenya was organized in 2001. Since then, membership has grown steadily in Kenya and throughout the region. Today, Kenya is home to more than 19,200 members across approximately 70 congregations and three stakes.
Until now, Latter-day Saints in Kenya and surrounding nations traveled to the Kinshasa Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple—the nearest temple. The Nairobi Kenya Temple will now serve members in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan.
During the open house period, visitors will have the opportunity to tour the temple and learn more about its purpose and significance to Latter-day Saints.
Church members consider temples to be the “house of the Lord”—the most sacred spaces on earth. Within their walls, families are bound together forever, life’s purpose is taught, and God’s plan of salvation is explained. Temple attendance also promotes personal spiritual growth and reinforces a commitment to live according to the teachings of Jesus Christ.