Our Lady Consolata Giakaibii Catholic Parish

Basic Parish Information

Parish Name: Our Lady Consolata Giakaibii Catholic Parish

Patron Saint: Our Lady Consolata

Date Established: August 1987

About the Parish

Our Lady Consolata Giakaibii Catholic Parish is one of the vibrant Catholic communities within the Archdiocese of Nyeri. Located in Magutu Ward, Mathira East Sub-County, Nyeri County, the parish has grown from a humble catechetical centre into a flourishing Christian community dedicated to evangelization, faith formation, and holistic human development.

Today, the parish serves more than 1,000 families through eleven outstations and over 110 Small Christian Communities, fostering active participation in the life and mission of the Church.

Our History

The history of Giakaibii Catholic Church dates back to 1952, when it was established as a catechetical centre under Ngandu Parish during the leadership of Fr. Rossi, IMC.

Mr. Samuel Karani became the first catechist and supervised the construction of the initial mud-and-thatch structure that sheltered catechumens from harsh weather. The church was built within the colonial village of Giakaibii near the old nursery school, on land associated with the trench that had been dug during the Mau Mau Emergency.

As the Christian community continued to grow, the temporary structure was upgraded to a timber church through the dedication of Catechist Christopher Mwai (“Mr. Man”), one of the earliest catechists trained at Mugoiri. Mr. Patrick Muchoki, who served as Church Chairman, later oversaw the construction of the permanent stone church.

The church building continued to expand over the years under the pastoral care of Fr. Felice while the area still belonged to Karatina Parish. Today, the parish continues this legacy with the construction of a new modern parish church.

Establishment as a Parish

Giakaibii Parish was officially erected in August 1987 by Rt. Rev. Caesar Maria Gatimu, then Bishop of Nyeri, after being carved from Karatina Catholic Parish.

The inaugural Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Fr. Mino Francis Vaccari, then Diocesan Administrator.

The first Parish Priest was Fr. Matthew Mwaniki, assisted by Fr. Francis Kinyari.

Since then, the parish has been served by the following Parish Priests:

  • Fr. Matthew Mwaniki (1987–1989)

  • Fr. Patrick Wachira (1989)

  • Fr. Gabriel Gichuki (1989–1990)

  • Fr. Gabriel Karanja (1990–1996)

  • Fr. Joseph Kamithi (1996–2001)

  • Fr. George Maina (2001–2002)

  • Fr. Evaristus Maranga (2002–2003)

  • Fr. Lucas Kiminda (2003–2006)

  • Fr. J.B. Ndung’u (2006–2008)

  • Fr. Anthony Mugi (2008–2010)

  • Fr. Patrick Maina Wachira (2010–2016)

  • Fr. James Mwai (2016–2018)

  • Fr. John Warui (March–July 2018)

  • Fr. Dr. Francis Mukundi (July 2018–Present)

Assistant priests who have served the parish include:

  • Fr. Stephen Munyogo (2018–2023)

  • Fr. Martin Ndegwa (2024–Present)

  • Fr. Paul Kagunda (2024–Present)

A Growing Christian Community

The parish comprises:

  • 11 Outstations

  • 110 Small Christian Communities (SCCs)

  • More than 1,000 Catholic families

Active lay apostolate groups include:

  • Catholic Men Association (CMA)

  • Catholic Women Association (CWA)

  • Pontifical Missionary Childhood (PMC)

  • Youth Ministry

  • Parish Choir

  • Eucharistic League

  • Marriage Encounter

  • Catechists Association

Within the parish territory are 8 public secondary schools, 10 public primary schools, and Karatina University Main Campus, whose Catholic students receive pastoral care through the University Chaplain.

Vision

To be a vigilant model Christian faith community with holistic development firmly grounded in its Catholic identity.

Mission

To build a parish community with a shared identity through continuous formation of the faithful, implementation of a clear pastoral programme, shared leadership, responsible stewardship, and effective utilization of available resources guided by professionalism and Christian values.

Pastoral Philosophy

To grow into a harmonious, self-reliant, self-propagating, and missionary Catholic community.

“Your light must shine before others, so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16

Parish Core Values

The parish is guided by seven key values:

  • Faith – Living and professing faith in God and His Church.

  • Family – Upholding the Christian family founded on Holy Matrimony.

  • Witness – Demonstrating integrity, honesty, and generosity.

  • Inclusivity – Welcoming all people regardless of ability or background.

  • Stewardship – Caring for God’s creation and responsibly managing resources.

  • Participation – Encouraging every member to actively contribute to parish life.

  • Harmony – Promoting peace, unity, reconciliation, and forgiveness.

Worship & Sacraments

Sunday Masses

  • English Mass – 7:00 a.m.

  • Kikuyu Mass – 9:00 a.m.

Confessions

  • Saturday afternoons

  • Available daily upon request

Eucharistic Adoration

  • Every Thursday

  • Sunday afternoons

Parish Outstations

Outstation Small Christian Communities
Giakaibii Catholic Church 10
Itundu Catholic Church 14
Gatondo Catholic Church 6
Kagotha Catholic Church 6
Ihwagi Catholic Church 14
Gathehu Catholic Church 4
Kiunjugi Catholic Church 7
Kanjuri Catholic Church 14
Kagochi Local Church 5
Gitunduti Local Church 11
St. Joseph Muthea Local Church 2

Institutions Under the Parish

  • Blessed Irene Nyaatha Health Centre

  • Computer Training Centre

Vocations

Giakaibii Parish has been richly blessed with vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

The parish has produced:

  • 10 Priests

  • 23 Religious Sisters

  • 3 Major Seminarians currently in formation at Christ the King Major Seminary.

Among the priests originating from the parish are:

Fr. Augustine Muriithi (Late), Fr. Michael Murage, Fr. Richard Kabuthi (Late), Fr. Zachariah Nduiga, Fr. Paul Kimani, Fr. Michael Kiruma, Fr. Robert Kamuru, Fr. George Gathara, Fr. Paul Mburu, and Fr. Peter Rukungu.

Major Milestones

1987 – Establishment of Giakaibii Parish

1997 – Construction of the Parish Dispensary

2019

  • 34 Mass Weddings celebrated

  • Launch of the 2019–2023 Pastoral Strategic Plan

  • Harmonization of pastoral projects

2020 – Recognized as the leading parish in youth enrolment within the Archdiocese.

2024 – Led the Archdiocese in celebrations of the Sacrament of Matrimony over a four-year period.

2025

  • Opening of Nazareth House Pastoral Centre by Archbishop Anthony Muheria

  • Dedication of Blessed Irene Nyaatha Health Centre by Archbishop Anthony Muheria

2026 – Groundbreaking and commencement of the construction of the new modern parish church.

For over seven decades, Our Lady Consolata Giakaibii Catholic Parish has remained steadfast in proclaiming the Gospel, nurturing Christian families, promoting vocations, and serving the wider community. As the parish continues to grow in faith and mission, it remains committed to building a vibrant Catholic community rooted in prayer, service, and the love of Christ.