By Francisco Martínez
NGURUNIT, JUNE 4, 2025 (CISA) – Located at the foot of the Ndoto Mountains in northern Kenya, the quiet, arid outpost of Ngurunit was transformed into a vibrant center of celebration and faith as the Catholic Diocese of Marsabit inaugurated a new parish, a historical and spiritual milestone decades in the making. The event marked the culmination of years of missionary work, communal resilience, and a deep-rooted faith that has endured through harsh terrain, cultural challenges, and logistical isolation.
The solemn inauguration of Ngurunit Parish on May 25, 2025, was presided over by Rt Rev Peter Kihara Kariuki, IMC, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Marsabit, and Rt Rev Virgilio Pante, Bishop Emeritus of Maralal. Their presence underscored the significance of the occasion not only for the local Samburu communities but for the Church’s broader evangelizing mission in northern Kenya.
Decades of Evangelization in a Land of Nomads
Ngurunit, a remote settlement in Marsabit County traditionally inhabited by the pastoralist Samburu community, has long been an area shaped by resilience and a nomadic way of life. Catholic evangelization in the region began in the 1970s, spearheaded by Fr Redento, a Fidei Donum missionary priest whose early work laid the foundation of Christian presence in Korr, Illaut, Ong’eli Manyatta (now Namarei), Kargi, and Lapendera.
Fr Redento, alongside committed local catechists such as Apollo Leparnat, courageously navigated cultural resistance, isolation, and unforgiving geography to bring the Gospel to Samburu families. His mission was not only spiritual but human, accompanying families through life’s joys and trials, laying down the roots of a living faith.
A transformative shift occurred in 1981 with the arrival of the Salesians of Don Bosco, notably Fathers Mathew Vadacherry, George Padinjaraparambil, and Thomas Punchekunnel, who celebrated the first Masses in Ngurunit, initially in a UNESCO building and later under the shade of a tree. The missionary presence was soon reinforced by the Nirmala Sisters, who integrated healthcare and pastoral support through mobile clinics and catechetical outreach.
By 1983, thanks to the efforts of pioneering educators Jacomina Korleite and Christine Dogo, the first school began under the trees of Ngurunit. With time, modest infrastructure took shape, culminating in the blessing of Mary Help of Christians Church by the late Bishop Ambrose Ravasi, IMC, in 1989.
A Parish is Born: Faith Takes Firm Root
The journey toward parish status reached its high point in May 2025, with the formal establishment of Ngurunit Parish and the blessing of the newly constructed priest’s residence in 2024. These milestones signaled the growth and stability of the local Christian community, now supported by six budding outstations; Lmoti, Lependera, Mpagas, Farakorren, Illaut, and Arsim, each celebrating weekly Eucharists thanks to a network of trained catechists.
At the heart of this mission is Fr Martin Ndumia, IMC, appointed as the founding parish priest of Ngurunit. Born in Nyeri, Fr Martin is a Consolata missionary whose formation journey took him from philosophy studies in Nairobi, through novitiate in Sagana, to theological studies in Rome. Ordained in Kenya, he arrives in Ngurunit with a deep sense of calling and responsibility.
“Being the first parish priest is a delicate and demanding responsibility,” Fr, Martin shares, noting “But I trust that with perseverance, formation, love, and patience, the faithful will develop a sense of belonging and, together with the spirit of synodality, we will bear witness to Christ in all our activities.”
Fr Martin acknowledges the pressing material and pastoral needs of the mission, calling upon friends and benefactors to support catechists’ training, infrastructure development, and evangelization efforts.
Celebrating Faith and Community: A Joyful Inauguration
The parish inauguration was a deeply communal event. In addition to consecrating the church, six couples, three from Ngurunit and three from Don Bosco Korr, were united in the sacrament of marriage. Their weddings symbolized the maturing of faith among the local people, who are embracing the Church’s sacraments in increasing numbers.
The celebrations, attended by faithful from across the region, also highlighted the unity between different mission centers and the fruit of consistent pastoral accompaniment over the years.
Enduring Challenges, Growing Hope
Despite the joy, challenges remain. The vast distances between outstations, poor road networks, and the semi-nomadic lifestyle of some communities complicate pastoral care. Catechists, many of whom have served for decades, like Samuel Korleite who gave 36 years to the Church, require continued formation and monthly stipends to sustain their ministry.
Yet the mission moves forward. Masses are celebrated regularly in schools and chapels, and vibrant programs for children, women, youth, and families continue to flourish. The Don Bosco scholarship program supports dozens of children from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue education, anchoring the mission’s commitment to holistic development.
Currently, over 1,300 students are enrolled across schools in Ngurunit, Korr, Mpagas, Farakorren, Lependera, Lengima, and Lmoti. These institutions are shaping the future generation, young leaders formed in faith and service.
The Mission by the Numbers
- Population Served: 1,665 people
- Age Breakdown: 216 children (1–15 years), 177 youth (16–35 years), 227 adults (36+ years)
- Institutions: 5 primary schools, 1 secondary school, 9 Christian churches, 1 Islamic center, 3 government facilities
- Sacramental Statistics: 520 baptisms, 301 First Communions, 183 Confirmations, 22 Marriages
- Upcoming Confirmations (2025): 172 youth in Korr, Ngurunit, and surrounding areas
- Economic Activities: Livestock rearing, milk, meat, honey sales, and local trade
Ngurunit: A Remote Gem with a Growing Light
Located west of Laisamis, Ngurunit sits within a scenic, rugged valley beneath Mount Poi, part of the majestic Ndoto Range. Though remote, it’s accessible from Nairobi via a paved road to Laisamis, followed by a western diversion. Nearby camps like Salato Camp and Lasamu Camp offer rustic but beautiful accommodation for visitors exploring this hidden gem.
Here, nature and spirit meet. From plunge pools and natural rock slides to simple church gatherings under the African sun, Ngurunit embodies a unique mix of harsh beauty and spiritual vitality.
Today, Ngurunit stands not only as a village in the wilderness but as a beacon of missionary zeal. The Consolata Missionaries, guided by the legacy of their founders and the trust of local communities, continue to sow seeds of peace, justice, and hope. With prayer, perseverance, and partnership, this young parish is poised to shine ever brighter in the heart of Kenya’s north.
