About Kenya

The Lord has given us a burden to minister in Kenya, East Africa. Below you will find a brief overview of Kenya to help you understand the place where God has called us.

Kenya, East Africa

Kenya is a country of rich natural resources and lies on the equator with the Indian Ocean to the southeast, Tanzania to the south, Uganda to the west, South Sudan to the northwest, Ethiopia to the north and Somalia to the northeast. Kenya covers 224,445 sq. mi and has a population of about 45 million in 2013. Named after Mount Kenya, the second highest mountain peak in Africa, Kenya is roughly the size of Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Famous for its scenic beauty, Kenya possesses lush tropics, arid deserts, the Great Rift Valley, the white sands of Mombasa, and direct access to Lake Victoria.

The Land

The glory of God is readily seen throughout the natural beauty of Kenya. From the humid coastal cities to the wildlife covered savannah plains to the rising central highlands, God’s incredible creative power is evident. The climate varies from muggy along the coast to arid heat in the interior to cool and cold in the highlands. Kenya has numerous wildlife reserves containing thousands of animal species. In fact, all of Africa’s “big five” game animals (elephant, leopard, lion, African buffalo, and rhinoceros) can still be found in Kenya.

The People

Approximately 45 million people live in Kenya, and it is one of the most rapidly growing countries in the world. Due to Kenya’s rapid population increase over the past several decades, its people are relatively young. A large percentage of Kenyans are under the age of 30. Unfortunately, Kenyans only have a life expectancy of 55 years, but this is beginning to improve. Diseases such as HIV/AIDS and little access to quality medical care have taken their toll on this beautiful people.

Kenya is a cultural microcosm of the continent of Africa, with great diversity in language and cultures. Over 40 different tribes and ethnic groups inhabit Kenya. Rural Kenyans live off what they can plant and grow in their own fields. Some of their favorite foods include: bananas, rice, beans, ugali (maize flour cooked with water to a dough-like consistency) and greens (e.g. kale). Kenyans often speak multiple languages: a mother tongue as well as Swahili and English. Swahili and English are the two national languages of Kenya. Swahili is the language spoken by most Kenyans and is used for day-to-day communication.

Christian Influence

Very few conservative evangelical churches exist. Many Islamic mosques and Hindu temples dot the city. Most cults (Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, etc.) have a presence in the city. The prosperity gospel and signs and wonders charismaticism are rampant throughout sub-saharan Africa.