Started in 1985, St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Parish is one of the 112 parishes of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi and is one of eight parishes that constitute the Nairobi Western Deanery. The church was started by the Jesuits of Eastern Africa Province, under the leadership of Late Archbishop Maurice Cardinal Otunga, in response to various gaps identified within Kangemi.

The news of absence of a Catholic Church in Kangemi reached Fr. Gachuga and the late Sr. Martin Wanjiru with the Sister starting an initiative to mobilize sponsors who would aid towards the purchase of a land on which a church would be built. With the generous support from Mr. and Mrs. Mary Hues, a piece of land was acquired where a grass thatched house, only adequate to shelter the priest during Mass celebration, was put up. From 1981-1984, Christians continued to contribute towards the construction of a church made of iron sheet with the Kangemi Church still operating as an outstation of St. John the Baptist-Riruta. Language was still a big challenge and as time passed, Christians had to learn Swahili language and songs for use during mass.

On 1st May 1985, the Jesuit Provincial and other priests visited the Kangemi outstation. It is this day that St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Parish was officially opened and handed over to the Jesuits by Late Cardinal Michael Otunga. Fr. Joseph Payeur, SJ was the first Parish Priest of the new Parish.

Since its formation, the parish has grown into a beacon of hope lighting the larger Kangemi slum. Today, St. Joseph the Worker- Kangemi Catholic Parish is the only catholic parish serving the larger Kangemi area which spans around 10 Kilometers.

In line with the motivation behind the establishment of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Parish, the Jesuit missionaries, the early Jesuit priests, a pool of generous donors, and many more stakeholders, the Church is renowned for its work among the poor and the least advantaged in society.

How we Work

Empowering Youth