Established in 1904, the Cathedral Basilica of the Holy Family was originally built for railway workers and served as Nairobi’s inaugural stone edifice. Its congregation grew significantly over the years, leading to its expansion into a modernist cathedral designed by Dorothy Hughes and constructed between 1960 and 1963. Featuring abstract stained glass and seating up to four thousand, it became the seat of the Archdiocese of Nairobi in 1982 after being designated a basilica.

The church has hosted significant religious figures including Pope John Paul II during his visits in 1980, 1985, and 1995. Today, it serves as the central hub for the Archdiocese of Nairobi, which includes an estimated four million people, with a substantial portion identifying as Catholic. The cathedral offers regular services and maintains a chapel open throughout the week alongside other facilities such as a bookshop and educational institution.