ST. JOSEPH GIAKANJA CATHOLIC PARISH

1. Basic Parish Information

  • Parish Name: St. Joseph Giakanja Catholic Parish

  • Patron Saint: St. Joseph

  • Date Established: 1 May 1993

2. About the Parish

Brief Parish History

St. Joseph Giakanja Parish is located within the Tetu Deanery of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nyeri, approximately five kilometres from Nyeri Town along the Nyeri–Othaya Road.

The parish traces its origins to Our Lady of Farmers Wamagana Mission, where the late Rev. Fr. Geneli established and nurtured the local church. It was officially inaugurated on 1 May 1993 by Clement Faccani. During its formative years, Mr. Samuel Karuiru Ndonga, who served as chairman, played a significant role in supporting and developing the mission.

Following years of pastoral growth, the mission was elevated to parish status, giving rise to several local churches. Today, the parish comprises eight outstations:

  1. St. Joseph – Giakanja

  2. St. Joseph Allamano – Kwa Joseph

  3. Sacred Heart – Karia

  4. St. Peter Claver – Kaara-ini

  5. St. Agatha – Giachamwenge

  6. St. John – Kiamwathi

  7. St. Andrew – Karigu-ini

  8. St. Peter – Chorong’i

The first Parish Priest was Rev. Fr. Maina (Fr. Wateresia), who took office on 15 January 2000. He was succeeded by:

  • Rev. Fr. Jackson Theuri (2000–2003)

  • Rev. Fr. John Mwai (2003–2005)

  • Rev. Fr. Patrick Wachira (2005–2011)

  • Rev. Fr. Gabriel Karanja (2011–2016)

  • Rev. Fr. Charles Murimi (2016–2023)

  • Rev. Fr. Simon Chege (2024–Present)

The parish has also been served by Rev. Fr. Moses and Rev. Fr. Michael Mithamo as assistant priests.

In 2005, Rev. Fr. Patrick Wachira established St. Joseph Giakanja Catholic Academy, which has consistently excelled in national examinations.

The parish has also sponsored the training of catechists and has produced numerous priestly and religious vocations. Today, the parish serves an estimated 5,000 Christians.

Motto

“Do not be afraid; stand firm in faith.” (Matthew 1:20)

Mission Statement

To proclaim the Gospel, nurture a vibrant sacramental life, and build a united, loving, and missionary community.

Vision Statement

To be a parish committed to evangelization, stewardship, and spiritual growth, courageously moving forward without fear, confident that God walks with us.

Core Values (J.O.S.E.P.H.)

  • J – Justice and Charity

  • O – Obedience to God’s Will

  • S – Service and Stewardship

  • E – Evangelization

  • P – Prayer and Sacramental Life

  • H – Hope and Consolation

Notable Milestones and Achievements

  • Expansion of the parish through the purchase of new plots

  • Renovation of the church compound

  • Construction of a new parish gate

  • Silver Jubilee celebrations

  • Celebration and promotion of the Sacrament of Matrimony

  • Ordination of Rev. Fr. Nderi

  • Construction of St. John Kiamwathi Local Church

  • Purchase of land for Sacred Heart Karia Local Church

  • Promotion of sacred music, with the parish choir advancing from Class B to Class A in the Diocesan Music Festival

  • Golden Jubilee celebrations for Sacred Heart Karia and St. Peter Chorong’i Local Churches

  • Strengthening of CEEP groups within the parish

  • Annual Holy Year celebrations (2026 dedicated to Our Lady of Consolata)

3. Worship & Sacraments

Mass Schedule (Parish Centre)

  • Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday: 7:00 a.m.

  • Tuesday & Thursday: 7:30 a.m. (Students’ Mass)

Confession

  • Saturday: 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Adoration

  • Every Wednesday at 6:30 a.m.

  • First Saturday of every month (CWA)

  • Every Thursday at 4:00 p.m. (St. Peter Chorong’i Local Church)

  • Every Sunday at 3:00 p.m. (Parish Centre)

4. Outstations & Small Christian Communities (SCCs)

Outstations

  1. St. Joseph – Giakanja

  2. St. Andrew – Karigu-ini

  3. St. Peter – Chorong’i

  4. Sacred Heart – Karia

  5. St. Peter Claver – Kaara-ini

  6. St. John – Kiamwathi

  7. St. Joseph Allamano – Kwa Joseph

  8. St. Agatha – Giachamwenge

Small Christian Communities (SCCs)

St. Joseph Giakanja

  • St. Bartholomew

  • St. Monica

  • St. Lawrence

  • St. Benedict

  • St. Susan

  • St. Agnes

  • St. Cecilia

  • St. Teresa

  • St. Francis

  • St. Stephen

St. Andrew Karigu-ini

  • Mary Mother of God

  • St. Paul

  • St. Alphonse

  • St. John

  • St. Charles Lwanga

  • St. Polycarp

  • Mother Teresa

  • St. John Paul II

  • St. Augustine

St. Peter Chorong’i

  • Maria Consolata

  • St. John the Baptist

  • St. Francis

  • St. Monica

  • St. Ann

  • St. Josephine Bakhita

  • St. Joseph

  • St. James

  • St. Augustine

Sacred Heart Karia

  • St. Joseph

  • St. Jude

  • St. Monica

  • St. Paul

  • St. Teresa

  • St. Dominic

  • St. Francis

St. Peter Claver Kaara-ini

  • Maria Consolata

  • St. Peter

  • St. Joseph Allamano

  • St. Lucy

St. John Kiamwathi

  • St. Bridget

  • St. Charles Lwanga

  • Mary Immaculate

  • St. Joseph

  • St. Ann

  • St. Teresa

  • St. Mulumba

  • St. Mark

St. Joseph Allamano Kwa Joseph

  • St. Saba / Maria Goretti

  • St. Cecilia

  • St. Teresa

  • St. Joseph

  • St. Anne

  • St. Anthony of Padua

  • St. Monica

  • St. Helen

  • St. John

  • St. John Bosco

  • St. James

  • St. Nicholas

St. Agatha Giachamwenge

  • St. Perpetua

  • St. Agatha

  • St. Paul

  • St. Anthony

5. Institutions Under the Parish

Schools

  • St. Joseph’s Academy – Giakanja

  • St. Andrews Academy – Giakanja

  • St. Mary’s Karigu-ini Secondary School