Media Engagement in Preparation for the Nairobi Kenya Temple Open House and Dedication

On Friday, 14 February 2025, at the Upper Hill Stake Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hosted reporters from both mainstream and digital media. Attendees included Area Seventy Elder George K. Munene, Nairobi Kenya East Stake President Denis M. Mukasa, and Nairobi Kenya South Stake President Fredrick B. Shamola, who serve as local leaders of the Church. They shared exciting details about the upcoming Temple Open House and Dedication, marking a historic moment for the Church and its members in Kenya.

Temple Open House and Dedication

Elder George K. Munene highlighted the importance of the Temple, explaining its sacred purpose and significance to Church members. "Temples are sacred spaces where members participate in spiritual ordinances that strengthen their faith and commitment," he stated. The upcoming dedication of the Nairobi Temple is a momentous occasion, symbolizing a deepening of spiritual roots and community bonds.

The Nairobi Kenya Temple, located in the Mountain View area of Nairobi, is the first temple to be built in Kenya and the second in East Africa after the Kinshasa, DRC Temple. The open house will begin with a media day on Monday, April 14, 2025, followed by two days of tours for invited guests. The public is invited to tour the Temple from Thursday, April 17, through Saturday, May 3, excluding Sundays. The dedication will be conducted by Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

In their speeches, Elder Munene, President Mukasa, President Shamola, and Timothy Wanyonyi, the Country Director of Communication, invited journalists to attend the Temple Open House, offering them a unique opportunity to tour the Temple and learn about its significance. "We are excited to share this sacred space with the community and the media, allowing everyone to understand the spiritual and cultural importance of the Temple," Wanyonyi said.

Humanitarian and Educational Efforts

While the focus was on the Temple dedication, the Church also highlighted its ongoing humanitarian and educational initiatives. Nairobi Kenya East Stake President Denis Mukasa briefly mentioned the Church’s contributions to public schools, including infrastructure improvements such as renovated latrines, libraries, and administrative blocks. "We focus on improving the learning environment of our children," Mukasa noted.

Elder Munene also spoke about the Church’s efforts in religious education, emphasizing the importance of teaching moral and spiritual values from a young age to build strong communities. He invited all those present to enroll in BYU Pathways and encourage their friends and families to benefit from the program.

Water, Sanitation, and Environmental Sustainability

The Church’s commitment to sustainability was highlighted through its water and sanitation projects. President Mukasa mentioned the use of water dispensing machines to ensure long-term access to clean water in communities. Additionally, the "Trees for Food" program, which has planted over 400,000 food trees across different counties, aims to enhance food security and environmental conservation. This initiative aligns with the Kenyan Government's goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032, aimed at reducing greenhouse emissions, stopping and reversing deforestation, and restoring 5.1 million hectares of deforested and degraded landscapes.

Why the Temple Dedication is Important

During the session, a question was raised about the importance of the Temple dedication. Elder Munene explained that for Latter-day Saints, a Temple is the most sacred place on earth—a place set apart for worship, prayer, and reflection. Unlike chapels, which are used for weekly services, Temples are reserved for sacred ceremonies such as marriages and other ordinances believed to bind families together for eternity.

"The dedication of a Temple marks a historic moment, not just for Church members but for the entire community," he stated. "It signifies growth, faith, and a lasting commitment to serving God and our neighbors."

 Invitation to Visit and Learn

As part of its commitment to transparency and community engagement, the Church is extending an open invitation to all members of the media and the general public to attend the open house. Visitors will be guided through the Temple, learning about its design, purpose, and the faith that inspires its construction.

"We encourage everyone to come and see for themselves," Elder Munene urged. "This is an opportunity to gain insight into our beliefs and witness the beauty and serenity of the Temple."

As the Temple dedication approaches, the Church looks forward to welcoming visitors from all backgrounds to witness this historic event, fostering understanding and community spirit.