NAIROBI, Kenya-Saturday, groundbreaking occurred for the Nairobi Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Elder Matthew L. Carpenter, the first counselor in the Africa Central Area Presidency of the Salt Lake City-based faith, called this “a sacred and holy day.”

About 100 Church leaders and members, opinion leaders and journalists gathered at the temple site in Mountain View, a neighborhood, 14.6 kilometers (9.1 miles) northwest of downtown Nairobi.

Elder Joseph W. Sitati, president of the Africa Central Area, said this day was “dedicated to the youth of the Church.”

Also in attendance was the Honourable Mr. Opiyo Wandayi, a member of the Kenyan Parliament.

Wandayi shared a message from the Right Honorable Raila Odinga, a former Prime Minister of Kenya.

The Church has had a presence in Kenya since the 1970’s.

The Nairobi Kenya Stake was established September 9, 2001 as the nation’s first stake.