Foundation and Vision (2006)

ACK St. Alban Church, Chokaa, began in May 2006 under the leadership of Rev. Peter Maina Mboche, as the fourth daughter church of St. Catherine Parish, Tumaini. Its origin was inspired by the Men’s Fellowship of St. Catherine, who, during a routine visit to one of their members in Chokaa amidst the heavy El Niño rains, realized the community’s great need for a nearby place of worship. The men trudged through muddy plains and stagnant waters to reach the area and, moved by compassion, resolved to petition their vicar to establish a church there.
After approval by the parish council, efforts began to find a worship space. Although a rental structure was identified, its terms were unsustainable. Fortunately, the Managers of Chokaa Hurlingham Development Farm donated a 10×10 mabati (iron-sheet) structure, which became the first home of St. Alban Church. The humble beginnings were challenging — the structure, lacking doors, was used by local children as an ablution area during the week. Every Sunday, the worshippers cleaned it and transported all worship items in and out for each service.

Securing Land and Growth
During a parish crusade on June 25, 2006, it became clear that the mabati structure was too small for the growing congregation. As prayers continued, news emerged that a nearby parcel of land was available for sale. Under the coordination of James Gitundu, the team negotiated successfully and secured the plot on favorable terms, allowing the church to occupy it while paying in installments.
The new site was immediately dedicated with the theme from Matthew 16:18 – “On this rock I will build my Church.” The first mabati structure on this land was simple and open-sided but was later completed and expanded as attendance grew.
Initially starting with three families, St. Alban’s congregation grew rapidly. In 2011, the church was christened and dedicated by Rt. Rev. Joel Waweru Mwangi, Bishop of Nairobi.
In 2014, St. Alban was transferred from St. Catherine Parish to join St. Mathias Parish, Ruai Archdeaconry.

Milestones and New Churches
In 2016, Bishop Waweru returned for the groundbreaking ceremony for a permanent church building, preaching from Psalm 118:22 – “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” The event was graced by several leaders including Ven. Jonathan Kabiru Mwangi (then Archdeacon of Ruai, now the third Bishop of Nairobi).
That same year, St. Alban planted two daughter churches:
ACK Chokaa Valley Church, to serve members in the lower Chokaa area.
ACK Chokaa Hill Church, to serve members in the upper region and bridge the gap with St. Catherine Tumaini.

Challenges and Triumphs
The journey was not without hardship. At one point, the church failed to raise the land balance within the agreed timeline and was forced to hold services in a member’s home near Maua Primary School. Even so, worship continued — including Holy Communion and baptisms. A fundraiser later produced more than enough to clear the debt, allowing the congregation to reclaim their land.
Another major incident occurred when a lorry lost control and rammed into the first mabati structure. Thankfully, no one was injured. These trials led to the name “St. Alban”, inspired by resilience through adversity.
Despite challenges, St. Alban grew to be recognized as one of the fastest-growing churches in Ruai Archdeaconry, known for strong membership and faithful stewardship.

Lay Readers and Evangelists
Key early ministers and lay leaders who served include:
Captain Felix Ndirangu Nyingi (Evangelist)
Robert Gikonyo (Lay Reader, late)
Loice Okello, Jane Macharia, Redson Komu, Joyce Macharia, Joel Karanja, and Richard Arina (Lay Readers)
Later contributors included:
Lay Reader Willy Mwangi (joined 2013, served as Vicar’s Warden until 2022)
Lay Reader Harrison Kamau (joined 2015)
From St. Alban have since emerged new lay readers: Richard Arina, Ibrahim Ololo, David Karani, and Naomi Mburu.


Vicars Who Have Served at ACK St. Alban – Chokaa

2006–Jan 2012 – Rev. Peter Maina Mboche
Curate: Rev. Samuel Maina W’Gakuo;
Evangelist: Capt. Felix Ndirangu Nyingi;
Lay Reader: Robert Gikonyo (late)

Feb 2012–2014 – Rev. Simon Brown Oriedo

2015–2017 – Rev. Stephen Karunji

2018–2022 – Rev. Edward Kihan’ga
Evangelist: Jackson Gachie (2022)

2023–Jan 2024 – Rev. Samuel Thairu Mwangi
Evangelist: Jackson Gachie

Feb–June 2024 – Rev. Magu
Evangelist: Jackson Gachie

July 2024– Present – Rev. Susan Kivuti