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National Shrines in Nandi

Kabiyet Mother Mary Queen of Peace Shrine

Kabiyet Catholic Shrine high above Kabiyet Hill in Mosop, 4 km north of Kabiyet Centre, is a significant pilgrimage site for devoted Christians in the North Rift Block; Nandi, Uasin Gishu and Elgeyo Marakwet counties. More proper Mary Mother Queen of Peace Shrine, and borrowing many principles from the same-name national shrine in Subukia, Kabiyet Shrine, under the diocese of Eldoret, contains a large crucifix and molded sculptures on stack angular pediments.

In a bucolic setting overlooking a picturesque valley, Kabiyet Hill is historically significant among the Nandi community, being previously fabled as a sacred site and the home to the Nandi god Asis. Their elders for years led cultural rituals and prayers at the hill, seeking divine intervention for rains, good harvests and justice. In the 1920s, when Kenya was under British rule, the colonial government set up an administrative office at Kabiyet Hill and installed radio communication towers.

Over a century later, in August 2023, Kabiyet Hill’s appeal as a place of worship was rekindled. The Catholic Diocese of Eldoret, under the direction of Bishop Dominic Kimengich, erected a monumental crucifix atop the 250-meter-tall hill, and officially rededicated it as the Mother Mary Queen of Peace Shrine. Today, Kabiyet Catholic Shrine stands as the premier Catholic shrine of its kind in the North-Rift, a vast area encompassing eight counties and six Catholic dioceses.

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Shrines – big and small – hold significant religious, historical, or political import and serve as symbols of identity, remembrance, and reverence. These sites also play important roles in preserving Kenya’s collective memory, fostering unity, and promoting patriotism: Places of reflection and commemoration for sacrifices and achievements made by past generations, and honored for future prosperity.

Index of National Shrines in Kenya



Baringo County - Kolloa Cross Shrine, Homa Bay County - Tom Mboya Mausoleum, Kakamega County - The Muliro Gardens, Kericho County - Gurdwara Sahib, Kericho Wagon Works, Tulwap Kipsigis Hill, Kiambu County - Travellers Chapel, Scott Watson Memorial Church, Kilifi County - Mekatilili wa Menza Shrine, Ronald Ngala Mausoleum, Kitui County - Museve Shrine, Mombasa County - The Swaminarayan Indian Temple, Johann Krapf Memorial Shrine, Nairobi County - Resurrection Garden, Jomo Kenyatta Mausoleum, Mashujaa Monument, City Park, Uhuru Gardens, Nakuru County - Marian Shrine, Nandi County - Mberere Holy Springs, Kabiyet Shrine, Nyeri County - African Bible on the Ground Shrine, Dedan Kimathi Trench, The Mau Mau Post Office, Irene Nyaatha Shrine, Meru County - Kaaga War Memorial, Muranga County - Wangu Wa Makeri Shrine, Mukurwe Wa Nyagathanga Shrine, Tana River County - Mau Mau Hola Memorial Monument, Uasin Gishu County - Alexander Kipsang Muge Mausoleum, Wajir County - Wagalla Memorial Monument, Vihiga County - Chabuga Mausoleum

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outlook

Beyond athletics, famously known as the heartland of Kenyan long-distance running, Nandi County is a region of stunning highland scenery, rich agricultural land, and deep cultural heritage. The county is characterized by highland terrain, with altitudes ranging from 1,300 to 2,500 meters asl. Nandi Escarpment forms a dramatic western boundary, dropping down to the Kavirondo Gulf I Lake Victoria.

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Explore Destinations Nearby Kabiyet Catholic Shrine

A Guide to Nandi County



A Summa Digest of Nandi

About Nandi Way Back When

40 Destinations in Nandi County, arranged as one would visit these - south, north then west - with the aid of in-depth narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:

Londiani-Koru Route, Nyando Escarpment, Bonjoge National Reserve, Nandi Rock, South Nandi Forest, Tindinyo Falls, Karebe Gold Mining, Nandi Scarp, North Nandi Forest, Tabolwa Rock, Kabiyet Shrine, Cheruiyot Ecosystem, Nandi Hills, Chepsangor Coffee, Koitalel Samoei Museum, Samiitui Aldai Stone Historic Site, Nandi Bears Club, Ketbarak Viewpoint, Kip’s Eco-Resort, Kapsimotwa Gardens, The Sheu Morobi Cliffs, Chemase Waterfalls, Mberere Holy Springs, Kopere Rocks, Songhor Prehistoric Site, Tinderet Forest, Diguna Waterfalls, Ngabunat Caves Falls, Kiplolok Springs, Kapsabet, Kaptumo and Kipture Forts, Eden Springs Hotel, Keben Springs, Kingwal Wetland I Sitatunga Conservancy, Chepkiit (Mlango) Falls, Kamulat (Ndalat) Hill, Kapchemuriet

Know More About Nandi County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including a distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments

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