Mai Mahiu catholic church also known as the Travelers church is the smallest church in Kenya. It was built in 1942 by Italian prisoners of war. The Italians who were prisoners of the british during the colonial times were constructing the maimahiu road and during their free time, they worked on building the church. The church was important to them because Italians were catholics and the British were predominantly Anglicans and therefore they couldn't share one church. The church only measures 15*8 feet and can accommodate only 12 people. It is assumed that it is the 2nd smallest church in the world after the church of Pines in the USA which measures 12 by 12 feet.
Location
The church is very easy to miss when coming from Nairobi as you will be going down the escarpments and many vehicles will be climbing the hill. This makes it hard to exit the road to visit the church. Because of its size, you will also need to be on the lookout for the sign.
The church opens from 6.00am to 5.00pm everyday and there is no cost of entry. Feel free to leave a tip to the workers who maintain the place. The church is also managed by the Government of Kenya and Italian government although its current state shows no indication of any help from the governments because it requires a bit of renovations.
Be sure to visit the church anytime you leave Maimahiu or when leaving Nairobi for Maimahiu. It makes for a good quick stop over and you can get to learn even more from the church attendants.
Further reference:
https://kenyageographic.com/mai-mahiu-church-among-worlds-smallest/
https://easemysafari.com/endless-discoveries-the-smallest-church-in-kenya/
002, Lari, Kiambu, Kenya
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