“Kenya, cry out to the Lord who delights to forgive!”
You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. (Psalm 86:5,NIV)
》 Country Profile
Continent | Africa
Population | 57.05 million
Area | 580,367㎢, Located on the eastern coast of Africa along the Indian Ocean
Capital City | Nairobi (5.32 million), Mombasa (1.44 million)
People Groups | Total 109 groups, Kamba 12.5%, Luo 12%, Gusii 6.4%, Meru 4.7%, Somali 4.6%, Kalenjin 4.5%, Bukusu 4.3%, Maasai 2.8%
Unreached People Groups | 32 (9.6% of the population)
Official Language(s) | English, Swahili
Total Languages | 89
Bible Translations | Completed 44, New Testament 15, Partial 15
Religion | Christianity 79.8% (Protestant 33%, Independent church 23%), Islam 10.7%, Ethnic religion 8.2% Evangelical 49.6% (28.29 million people)
》 About Kenya
Kenya‘s colonial history began with Portuguese explorers in 1498. In 1888, the British East India Company gained control of trade, and by 1895, Kenya became a British protectorate. After World War I, the push for independence gained momentum, leading to freedom in 1963. Jomo Kenyatta, a key figure in the independence movement, became the first president and led the country until his death in 1978. His successor, Daniel arap Moi, ruled for 24 years under a dictatorship until 2002. Mwai Kibaki then became president and was re-elected in 2007, but the claims of election fraud sparked widespread violence and unrest, resulting in over 1,100 deaths and hundreds of thousands displaced. In 2013, Uhuru Kenyatta, Jomo Kenyatta’s son, was elected president and won re-election in 2017 amid continued political tensions. In 2022, William Ruto, who had served as Deputy President since 2013, became Kenya’s fifth president and the country’s first evangelical Christian leader. Today, Kenya stands as East Africa’s key hub for economic activity, finance, and transportation.
In 2018, Kenya’s economy grew by 6.3%, its highest rate in eight years, thanks to improved rainfall boosting agriculture, growth in manufacturing, and continued investment in infrastructure, especially transportation. However, hopes for economic recovery in 2020 were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and locust infestations that affected food supply. Agriculture remains vital, accounting for one-third of the GDP and employing about 75% of the population. Tourism is also a significant contributor to the economy. Although Kenya is showing potential for growth, challenges remain, including political instability, widespread corruption, a 40% unemployment rate, terrorism from Islamic extremists, increasing inequality, urban poverty, and recurring droughts.
Kenya’s GDP per capita is approximately $1,808.
》 Scripture Focus
| Psalm 86:5, 8-11, 17(NIV) 5 You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. 8 Among the gods there is none like you, Lord; no deeds can compare with yours. 9 All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name. 10 For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God. 11 Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. 17 Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me. |
》 Prayer Points
1. The church in Kenya experienced growth during the East African revival of the 1950s and 60s. Today, while half the population identifies as Christian, many believers do not attend church, and their lives do not reflect true discipleship. Let us pray for a powerful spiritual awakening—so that believers may be truly born again, and church leaders will wholeheartedly learn and walk in the ways of the Lord, fearing His name. Ethnic divisions have caused many churches to quarrel and split. Let us ask the Lord, who delights in forgiveness, to bring healing, reconciliation, and unity to His body. Despite frequent attacks from the terrorist group Al-Shabaab—including bombings, killings, kidnappings, and assaults—some churches have responded with forgiveness and spiritual victory. Let us pray that Kenyan Christians will overcome violence, hatred, and injustice with the transforming power of the gospel.
2. Kenya serves as a strategic center for African missions. Many international mission agencies base their regional headquarters here, and Christian education institutions also thrive. The Horn of Mission serves in cross-cultural ministry, while the African Centre for Mission (ACM) trains and sends missionaries and mission-minded pastors. Let us pray that foreign mission organizations will work in fruitful partnership with local churches. Kenyan believers are beginning to step out into missions beyond their own culture. Let us pray that they will embrace the nations in prayer and action—so that, through them, the grace of God will be made known and the peoples of East Africa will glorify His name.
3. Nairobi has over 10 slums, with Kibera alone home to more than a million people living in hardship. Let us pray for ministries serving these communities, that they would address urgent needs—such as sanitation, health, drug abuse, violence, prostitution, poverty, and education—while sharing the love and truth of Christ. Let us pray that the poor in spirit will be blessed and inherit the kingdom of heaven. There are up to 1 million AIDS orphans under the age of 17. Many become street children or victims of trafficking. The Children’s Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) has dedicated workers focused on children’s ministry, and Scripture Union (SU) supports students with both spiritual and nutritional care. Let us pray that the next generation will meet the God who is their true comfort and deliverance and be set free from fear and death.
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