All Saints to put up Sh1bn teens complex

Nairobi’s All Saints Cathedral will in December break ground for a four-storey Sh1 billion children and teens centre financed by the congregation.

Cathedral Provost Sammy Wainaina told his congregation the project was aimed at addressing a rising need for a specialised facility to care for the growing number of young adults and children.

The complex within the compound will comprise a modern amphitheater with a capacity to hold 1,000 as well as 36 classrooms for use by younger children who will be trained by kindergarten Sunday School teachers.

The complex will continue the adoption of the century-old cathedral’s Gothic architecture employed when a multi-purpose hall, Trinity Centre, was constructed next to the cathedral.

Speaking a week ago, Mr Wainaina said it would serve the Church for the next 100 years.

Parents with very young children will access the toddler as well as art rooms where biblical stories will be taught.

The tender for the project closed three weeks ago and bids are currently undergoing evaluation awaiting award of a contract.

According to a layout plan prepared by Masterbill Integrated Projects, the project sets aside land for development of a children’s chapel, an administration block and a kitchen with the lower-ground floor reserved for parking.

The four-storey main building boasts of an attic floor as well as roof top level.

The children and teens services will be carried out concurrently with the main service at the cathedral.

The project is set for execution in three phases and will be funded by member contributions including a pledge by the Anglican Church global head, Archbishop of Canterbury Most Rev Justin Welby.