Matunda area at the border of Uasin Gishu and Kakamega counties will be home to the world’s fifth Baha’i house of worship.
The design for the national Baha’i House of Worship of Kenya was unveiled in a historic event that was witnessed by a gathering of over 1,000 people.
Upon completion, the House of Worship located in Luanda Village, Likuyani Sub - County will be among the five Baha’i temples constructed in the world signifying a new milestone for the Baha’i world community.
Addressing the press after the ceremony, Japheth Kokal, a member of the national spiritual assembly of the Baha'i in the country said that the estimated cost of the temple is Sh100 million.
"The engineering design is still ongoing and once complete we shall know how much money will be pumped into the entire project but we are estimating that it is likely to cost Sh100 million," said Mr Kokal adding that that the funds are contributed by friends of the Baha’i across the world and Baha’i World Centre in Haifa, Israel.
"The temple will be a focal point of worship, a nerve center of community life, a place where souls will gather at daybreak for humble invocation and communion before we flow out of its doors to engage in our daily pursuits. And so there is no way we can be a cult," he explained calling upon Kenyans to work closely with the Baha'i.
Speaking at the same time, the Temple’s design architect, Neda Samimi said that the concept design features a two-tiered structure that will accommodate about 250 visitors.
Kenya is one of five countries that were designated by the Universal House of Justice in 2002 to build a local Baha’i House of Worship.
Baha’i temples are open to all as a space for worship and reflection.