[2] The first Archbishop of Nairobi was John Joseph McCarthy who was appointed in 1953 and he would serve until 1971 when he retired.

The modernist cathedral features abstract stained glass in stainless steel frames.

The cathedral's specification included details in carrara marble[5] and seating for 3,000 to 4,000 people.

[6] The church was visited by John Paul II in 1980 and designated a basilica on 15 February 1982.

These 4,000 Christian communities are served by 182 clergy, eight university level education facilities and several places for retreat.