A new branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been established in a refugee camp in Kenya, and while it started small, its numbers continue to grow.
Kakuma Refugee Camp, located in the village of Kalobeyei in northwestern Kenya, is home to approximately 300,000 refugees from more than 20 countries. Most people come to the camps fleeing conflicts, conflicts and security situations in their countries around Africa.
On June 19, Elder Johnny O. Badu, Area Seventy for the Church’s Africa Central Area, traveled to Kakuma to minister to a “small but faithful group of members” in the Kakuma branch, the Church’s Africa Newsroom reported. He was accompanied by Onward Chibunga, President of the Kenya Nairobi West Mission, and President Meshach Odunga, Second Counselor in the Mission Presidency. This branch was under the direction of the Nairobi West Mission. As of July 1st, the Kakuma branch has joined the new Kenya Kisumu Mission.
President Odunga was there on April 6, 2025, when the branch was organized in the camp. That day, he told Latter-day Saints how grateful he was for their faith.
As Africa Newsroom reported in June 2025, President Odunga said, “Remember the journey traveled by the early pioneers of the Church. If it were not for their sacrifice and determination, we do not know where we would be. We ask you to have deep faith in the Creator and Finisher of all things, and good things will happen. You are the pioneers of this place and you have everything you need to grow the church here.”
Over the past year, the Kakuma branch has grown from just six members to more than 100 through baptisms at the camp.
Prior to the organization of the branch, the closest organizational unit of the church was 260 miles (419 km) from the camp. After receiving the donated materials, members were able to access the internet, communicate more easily with church leaders, and create a cabin for meetings.
During recent visits, church leaders showed encouragement, compassion, and testimonies of hope in Jesus Christ.
Elder Badu reminded branch members of the Lord’s constant presence and individual awareness of their lives.
“The Lord is in our presence whenever we meet as brothers and sisters,” he said. “God knows each of us. He knows why we are here, He understands our challenges, and He invites us to keep His commandments so that we can (draw close to) Him.”
President Chibunga encouraged members to show their love for the Savior through obedience and prayer, quoting John 14:15, which says, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” He testified to God’s perfect love and said having a solid foundation in Christ brings strength in difficult times.
