Catholic Church to turn Subukia shrine into pilgrimage hub and eco-haven
Subukia Shrine in this photo taken on October 5, 2024.
The rehabilitation of the Marian National Shrine in Subukia, Nakuru County, is seen as crucial not only for spiritual purposes but also to protect the surrounding ecosystem.
The Catholic Bishop of Nakuru, Cleophas Oseso Tuka, has called on Kenyans of all faiths to help bring the shrine up to international standards, saying the facility will serve not only Kenyans but pilgrims from all over the world.
Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Nakuru, Cleophas Oseso Tuka, speaks at Christ the King Cathedral Church in Nakuru City on April 15, 2025 on the progress made to raise Sh25 million for the National Marian Shrine in Subukia.
Bishop Oseso stressed that Pope Francis has repeatedly emphasised the importance of environmental protection and encouraged the faithful to act as guardians of the natural world.
“We have witnessed a lot of destruction from indiscriminate tree cutting to failure to protect critical water sources such as the Subukia spring, located right here in Nakuru County. As a church, we envision the shrine not only as a spiritual centre but also as a model of environmental conservation,” said Bishop Oseso.
In an effort to give the shrine a facelift, the Catholic Church has launched a campaign to raise Sh25 million for its restoration and expansion.
A national committee chaired by Justice Alfred Mabeya has been formed to spearhead the initiative, which has the support of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB).
Other members of the committee include Sylvia Karuga (vice chairperson), Jerono Talam (secretary), Linus Muigai (assistant secretary) and Nation Media Group chairman Wilfred Kiboro as a member.
Faithful attend prayers at the Subukia National Marian Shrine in Nakuru County on October 5, 2024.
To raise funds, the committee organised a golf tournament at Nyahururu Golf Club, with all proceeds going towards the rehabilitation of the shrine.
“The forest at Subukia Shrine should not be destroyed. We must preserve it at all costs. When we destroy our environment, we are essentially destroying ourselves. This shrine must be preserved not just for its spiritual significance but because it offers a sustainable environment for current and future generations,” Bishop Oseso said in an interview with Nation.Africa.
In line with this vision, the Catholic Church has also used this year’s Lenten campaign to remind the faithful of the importance of environmental stewardship.
“We all have a role to play. Each of us must take personal responsibility, whether it’s planting a tree, preserving a spring, or simply not littering. Protecting our environment begins with individual action,” he said.
A mass procession of Catholic priests, bishops and archbishops during the National Prayer Day at the Subukia National Marian Shrine in Nakuru County on October 5, 2024.
The Marian Shrine was established in the 1980s as a vision of the late Archbishop Ndingi Mwana a'Nzeki, who championed the idea of a national spiritual sanctuary.
Since then, its influence and importance has grown immensely, attracting thousands of pilgrims each year from countries including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Malawi and Zambia.
Although a Catholic initiative, the shrine has been embraced by people from all walks of life.
Over the years it has welcomed Akorino, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist and Indian worshippers, earning it a reputation as a national and interfaith spiritual centre.
Many pilgrims believe that the water from the Subukia spring, a natural spring at the shrine, has healing powers and brings blessings and spiritual renewal.
This belief has contributed to the shrine's growing popularity, with calls for it to be upgraded to international standards.
Nation Media Group Board Chairman Wilfred Kiboro (navy shirt) attends the annual National prayers at Marian National Shrine in Subukia, Nakuru County on October 5, 2024.
In a notable departure from the traditional reliance on donors, the Conference of Bishops has opted to raise funds for the project internally, encouraging contributions from local parishes and individuals.
“Kenyans should support and raise funds to give this shrine an international shine with resources from within and own it and be proud of a place to offer prayers to God,” said Bishop Oseso.
He also made a passionate appeal to golfers across the country to participate in the Nyahururu tournament in support of the shrine.
“Golf is deeply connected with the environment. You can’t enjoy the sport without trees, grass, shade and fresh air. By supporting this fundraiser, golfers are not only helping restore a place of prayer, but also protecting nature their very playground,” he said.
In addition to the golf event, Bishop Oseso is inviting well-wishers to a major fundraiser to be held at Allamano Centre in Nairobi on May 9.