Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has donated Ksh1.5 million towards the construction of the Stella Maris Pastoral Centre in Watamu, Kilifi County.
In a statement, the Diocese of Malindi said the former president made the donation on Wednesday, August 28, during a tour of the ongoing construction works at the center.
“The Stella Maris Pastoral Centre project in Watamu, Malindi Diocese, has received a significant boost following a generous donation of Ksh1.5 million from the former President of Kenya, His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta,” read the statement in part.
Uhuru was accompanied by his wife, Mama Margaret Kenyatta, Maina Gakuo, and his wife Anna Kadzo Gakuo.
They were received by Malindi Catholic Diocese Bishop Willybard Lagho, who gave them a tour around the construction site.
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Uhuru commended the Diocese of Malindi for its commitment to building a self-reliant pastoral institution and pledged to walk with the diocese throughout the project’s completion.
Bishop Lagho expressed his deep gratitude on behalf of the diocese to the former Head of State for his donation.
“He assured the former president that regular updates on the progress of the centre’s construction would be shared, as per his request,” the Malindi Diocese added.
According to the Diocese, the Stella Maris Pastoral Centre is envisioned as a hub for spiritual renewal, pastoral training, and community development programs in the coastal region.
Once complete, the Centre will serve as a formation and resource centre for lay ministers, leaders, and priests, equipping them with pastoral skills.
The center will house luxury serviced apartments, retail shops, restaurants, office spaces, and wellness centers.
Recreational facilities, including swimming pools, fitness centres, botanic gardens, community parks, and water sports facilities, will also be available for both residents and visitors.
The project, which began in 2023, is estimated to cost Ksh342.5 million, with financing drawn from the diocesan annual fundraisers.
Uhuru’s donation to the center comes a year after Mama Ngina Kenyatta built a chapel in Ichaweri to honor the late Jomo Kenyatta.
The late Mzee Kenyatta laid the foundation of the chapel back in 1971.
Speaking during the consecration ceremony, Mama Ngina said she made the decision together with her family to put up the church in honor of the love that the founding father had for God and the people.
“His desire was to have a church within the community where people could gather together and worship. He had just come from detention in Maralal, Samburu County,” said Mama Ngina.
