Project to rehabilitate Subukia Shrine set to begin
An aerial view of Subukia Shrine in Nakuru County on October 5, 2024.
What you need to know:
- A facelift of the shrine will begin after the committee sets dates for fundraising as well as the start of construction.
- According to Dr Kiboro, the rehabilitation works involve building a small church with a capacity of 200 people.
The upgrading of the Subukia Shrine to international standards is in top gear, with the committee making final decisions before the project can begin.
The project seeks to improve sections of the shrine to meet standards that can comfortably accommodate the high number of visitors to the site.
A facelift of the shrine will begin after the committee sets dates for fundraising as well as the start of construction.
Speaking during the Catholic Women Association prayer meeting in Subukia, former Nation Media Group board chairman and a member of the committee Dr Wilfried Kiboro, said the team is waiting to receive the architectural drawings for the project before construction works begin.
A panoramic view of Subukia Shrine in Nakuru County.
The committee is led by Justice Alfred Mabeya and has a mandate to raise funds towards the project.
According to Dr Kiboro, the rehabilitation works involve building a small church with a capacity of 200 people, as well as other amenities that will facilitate stays at the venue.
Place of peace, prayer and meditation
“We want to make the place comfortable for the pilgrims so that they can have a good spiritual and meditative experience. It is actually a shame that a place that we associate with Mother Mary is looking as dilapidated as it is now,” said Dr Kiboro.
He also revealed that the committee is planning to hold a fundraising drive to raise the amount needed for the development, with the initial target being Sh20 million, which is subject to change depending on the architectural report.
Catholic faithful during the National Prayer Day at Marian National Shrine in Subukia, Nakuru County on October 4, 2025.
Dr Kiboro further observed that Subukia Shrine is a critical facility for Christians who travel from different parts of the country and beyond for pilgrimage.
“Subukia Shrine is a very sacred place for Christians who come for meditation and reflection. Pilgrims come from different parts of the country to pray for the country, family, and other needs, so it is only good that it is upgraded to better standards,” said Dr Kiboro.
Ms Sylvia Karuga, the committee vice chair, noted that they intend to hold a fundraising drive in May before the project can begin in July.
“I wish to encourage well-wishers to support the project in any way they can so that we can deliver our mandate,” said Ms Karuga.
Catholic faithful during the National Prayer Day at Marian National Shrine in Subukia, Nakuru County on October 4, 2025.
During the Women Association prayer meeting, thousands of Catholic women believers converged at the Shrine for the national prayers as the church held Mass at the site. The Mass was led by the Nakuru Diocese Bishop Cleophas Osesio.
Subukia National Shrine, also known as the Village of Mary, is the National Marian Shrine located in Subukia, 40km from Nakuru.
The shrine belongs to the Kenya Episcopal Conference and is entrusted to the care of the Conventual Franciscan Friars. Faithful consider it a place of peace, prayer, reconciliation, rest, and meditation.
