Young Single Adults Gather as Disciples of Christ at YSA Conference in Nairobi, Kenya

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It was a beautiful day in Nairobi, Kenya, as 635 young single adults began arriving at the Nairobi Kenya Temple on August 28^th, 2025, to kick-off a 3-day young single adult conference. As buses coming from all 3 stakes in Nairobi entered the grounds, the theme of the conference, “I Am a Disciple of Jesus Christ” could be seen displayed on the temple grounds, and in the faces of the young adults departing the buses. 

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Among those waiting to greet them were Brother and Sister Bolonda, who had spent 5 months preparing for this conference with the help of 4 coordinators and 20 assistant coordinators.  Planning everything from temple sessions and family history research to career workshops and networking--along with special guest speakers, Q and A panels, socializing, food, and entertainment--all with the goal in mind to help the participants recognize who they are as disciples of Jesus Christ, and to help them find answers to life’s questions and challenges. 

The conference began with the participants gathering in the Mountain View Stake Center, located on the temple grounds. After receiving breakfast and orientation, the day proceeded with a devotional, a video temple tour, ordinance sessions, a family history workshop, lunch, games, missionary work instruction, and then a stroll downtown to use their newly acquired missionary skills. Of this latter activity one participant commented, “I loved the downtown activity where I was able to talk to people about who we are.  This helped me to better prepare for my mission”.

The venue changed the 2^nd day to the Catholic University of Eastern Africa auditorium where, after some food and fun the group settled in to learn about relationships and marriage from 2 couples, after which there was a panel discussion with lots of questions from the young single adults and thoughtful answers from the panel, including the advice to be your genuine self from the start of a relationship and to “be the kind of person you want marry.” 

Following lunch there was a workshop entitled “Meet Your Pioneers”, of which one participant shared, “Hearing from Church History guests made me realize that I can also impact my generation and be a pioneer for future generations”.  After the workshop, the conference launched into a YSA talent show where participants were able to showcase their talents for their peers. 

The final day of the conference focused on career planning and networking.  The career workshop hosted a variety of special guest speakers, who encouraged the participants to be self-reliant and serve in society. 

Constance Djeneba Kouame Bi, who is the procurement officer for the World Health Organization, urged everyone to “learn about yourself” by being active volunteers. 

Following her instruction Jacob Mayers, Springboard recruitment director, remarked, “As I look out across this wonderful group, I know that we have future leaders of The Church, future leaders of Africa, future leaders of the world here today.” He informed the group that his company’s mission is to “empower deserving people in emerging markets to significantly improve their standards of living through dignified work and reach their full potential.”  Adding that, “While ability is spread equally throughout the world, opportunity is not, and we want to help bridge that gap”. 

Brenda Wangari Njoki, the founder of BW ECO Synergy/Youth Development also spoke, encouraging the young single adults to “Think about the value you want to bring into the world”. 

Phelestus Auma, who is a senior recruitment consultant for Summit Recruitment & Search Africa, instructed those who are looking to get into the workforce on best practices for writing a CV, and how to give an impressive job interview that would help them stand out from other applicants.  She also counseled them to make well thought out decisions stating that, “Your choice today will shape your tomorrow.”

The attendees were also privileged to be addressed by Darius Mobe, President and CEO of South Generation.  Brother Mobe taught, “Sometimes in church we shy away from speaking about wealth and success.  We don’t glorify it, we don’t preach the gospel of prosperity from our pulpits, and I agree with that.  But I want to say to you young people, there is nothing wrong with being rich…  I want to demystify this concept that we have in church that we shy away from going out there to look for money, no.  There’s everything right with being rich. Go out, start a business, make money, pay your tithing, contribute positively to Heavenly Father’s kingdom here on the earth”.  He shared much of his own personal journey, demonstrating that when we have the right priorities and put The Lord first in all we do, we are blessed and prospered. 

The concluding speaker of the day was Elder George Munene, Area Seventy who, referring to the conference remarked, “This is such a wonderful opportunity for you young people. This is such a unique opportunity for you to learn so that you can grow, and as you grow, you can excel. This conference is to help you become innovative, to become successful and responsible members of society.”

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He also encouraged those present to stay hopeful in every circumstance teaching, “The Lord gives us everything at our disposal, we are the ones who make the choice, whether we want it, or not. The gift of agency is given to each person in this group to choose things for themselves, what they want, and when we exercise faith, in the right way, when we have hope, then miracles happen.”

He warned them, “If your faith has not been tried, then you haven’t experienced life yet, it’s going to come.  The key ingredient is the choices you make to withstand that trial, so that it can build you to the person you need to be.” 

Elder Munene also emphasized service, including serving a mission, stating “This is the time for you to serve.” 

In speaking of planning for a career he taught, “There is nothing wrong with becoming successful, in fact, if anything, The Lord wants us to become successful because when we are successful, then we are going to uplift other people to become successful.”  He advised them to “Focus on the mark, let faith be your guide, let hope be the substance that is pushing you, and continue working consistently towards obtaining your goal.”  Ending his remarks by explaining that, “We need to put aside the natural man and build ourselves in a capacity that will allow us to be the people we can become. And allow us to become excellent young people that will make a change in our society as we live and abide the principles of the gospel.” 

Following this morning of instruction, guidance, encouragement, and spiritual uplift, lunch was served followed by a fun afternoon of storytelling and a farewell program featuring video highlights from all 3 days of the conference.

The conference wrapped up with a much-anticipated outdoor party featuring Charisma, a popular Kenyan Afropop musician known for his unique sound and impactful lyrics.  The young adults had a great time socializing and celebrating together at the end of this 3-day event. 

Following the conference Bernice Odhiambo testified of what stood out to her, remarking how the event made her want to be more Christ-like and expressing how grateful she was that the temple was a part of the event.  She encouraged, “Go to the temple as many times as you can.  When you have questions in life, attend the temple.  Whenever you feel like you’re not ok, attend the temple.  Whenever you feel like you just need someone to talk to, attend the temple.”  

Brother Bolonda also expressed the enjoyment he and his wife received from their involvement in the conference as he related: “The 3 days were just amazing.  My wife and I felt great love towards our young single adults as we were helping them recognize who they are, Disciples of our Savior, Jesus Christ.”