Church Construction Initiative Ambitious, “very big”, Official at Nairobi Slum Catholic Parish Says, Appeals for Support

Mr. Malonza explained that the first two phases that involved the foundation and the initial vertical structure have been completed. The ongoing third phase entails laying the first slab, to pave way for the construction of pillars for the second floor.

“Last year, we managed to raise KES. 16 million (US$. 124,500.00). This year, we are planning to raise KES. 20 million (US$. 155,600.00) so we can move to the next level,” the Parish Moderator told ACI Africa.

To be able to complete the construction, he said, “we must count on ourselves first. We are trying, and we believe with God’s help—and help from good people—we’ll get there.”

Mr. Malonza acknowledged with much appreciation the commitment of Parishioners of St. Mary’s Mukuru through members of the 26 Small Christian Communities (SCCs) of the Parish.

Each of the 26 SCCs has been assigned to raise KES. 300,000.00 (US$. 2,334.00), he told ACI Africa, adding that while some of the SCCs have surpassed the statutory allocation, raising as much as KES. 700,000.00 (US$. 5,447.00), some others are yet to raise a third of their respective allocation.

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Other groupings in the Parish with specific allocations of cash to raise include choirs, Catholic Women Association (CWA), Catholic Men Association (CMA), and youths, among others.

“Regardless of the challenges, we are trying. We believe this church will one day be completed by our joint effort and God’s providence,” the Parish Moderator told ACI Africa on June 22.

Located in the Eastlands area of Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi, St. Mary’s Mukuru Parish is surrounded by tiny single-room corrugated iron shacks that serve as homes to thousands of slum dwellers in one of the most deprived areas of the East African country.

Despite the challenging slum reality, Mr. Malonza told ACI Africa that the faith of the Parishioners is commendable. “People face personal challenges—lack of jobs, financial hardship, family struggles—but when they come to church, it’s different,” he said, adding, “You can’t even tell who is suffering and who is not. People bring joy, and they give whatever little they have.”

Alluding to the Parish initiative to reach out to the needy, Mr. Malonza told ACI Africa highlighted the generosity of a section of Parishioners of St. Mary’s Mukuru as laudable, providing what is then passed on to persons unable to provide for themselves.  

“Sometimes people come here without food, school fees, or clothing. The church is the one that feeds them and helps them,” he said, and added, “The Christians are very happy about the Word of God. It gives them hope and strength to carry on.”

Reflecting on the ongoing Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year, which Pope Francis officially launched on the Eve of Christmas 2024 with the opening of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Parish Moderator said Parishioners are looking to the Universal Church for encouragement and partnership.

“This year of hope reminds us to embrace Christianity, to embrace God. The future depends on the Word of God,” he told ACI Africa on the sidelines of the visit to the Parish of American young Catholic adults from Phoenix Diocese.

Mr. Malonza went on to thank the young Catholic adults for visiting St. Mary’s Mukuru Parish, adding that their visit is a “sign of love and unity” that has inspired the Parishioners.

“We are very happy to receive guests from Arizona. It’s a good gesture. We pray that they will come again,” the Kenyan Parish Moderator told ACI Africa on June 22.

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Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.