The First Mass

In 1960, Fr. Njenga accompanied a visiting priest to celebrate what would become the first of many regular Masses in Kajiado. They arrived on a Sunday evening at the Railway workers' community hall. The scene was humble: they waited at 5 p.m. for workers who were drinking and smoking to clear out, the smell of drink and tobacco overpowering. Yet when Mass began, twenty to thirty faithful gathered—railway workers, Goan families from the Administration, and police families.

After Mass, the priests found hospitality with Dr. Migwi, the Catholic doctor in charge of Kajiado District Hospital. He, his wife, and their three young daughters welcomed the priests with warmth that embodied the spirit of Christian fellowship.

Kenya Marble Quarries: An Unexpected Sanctuary

The next morning brought a 6 a.m. Mass at Kenya Marble Quarries, 12 kilometers from town. Workers gathered in their small recreation hall before the 7 o'clock shift. The manager, Mr. Alan Chadwick, though not Catholic himself, showed extraordinary hospitality that would continue for years. When Dr. Migwi later left Kajiado, Mr. Chadwick opened his home to visiting priests, providing showers, meals, and a good night's rest—a kindness that became legendary in the parish's early years.

Building More Than Buildings

These monthly visits followed a pattern that built relationships as much as infrastructure. After the early morning Mass at the quarries and breakfast with Mr. Chadwick, the priest would head to the Government Primary Boarding School. There, the headmaster allowed religious instruction—initially to just three Catholic students.

Visits to the District Education Officer followed, where matters concerning Catholic-managed schools at Ngong, Kiserian, Magadi, Kajiado Township, and Rombo were discussed. Courtesy calls to the District Commissioner were essential in this closed district where passes were required. These weren't merely obligatory—they were friendly, "very English" affairs ("Padre, jolly good show!") that proved invaluable when addressing land or educational challenges.

First Foundations

In 1962, our first school opened. A local contractor built a classroom and office, fully funded by the Diocese. Mr. Peter P. Ndungu became our first teacher, transferred from Ngong Township School. That small beginning grew into a three-stream school serving over a thousand students.

Land acquisition proved challenging. The colonial administration resisted granting land in townships, initially providing only 3 acres for the primary school and one acre for the mission. It would take vision and persistence to secure our future home.