“Kenya will walk in the light of Your presence, Lord.”
Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, LORD.(Psalm 89:15,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 89:10-11, 15-18(NIV) 10 You crushed Rahab like one of the slain; with your strong arm you scattered your enemies. 11 The heavens are yours, and yours also the earth; you founded the world and all that is in it. 15 Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, LORD. 16 They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate your righteousness. 17 For you are their glory and strength, and by your favor you exalt our horn. 18 Indeed, our shield belongs to the LORD, our king to the Holy One of Israel. |
》 Prayer Points
1. President William Ruto, who took office in September 2022, is Kenya’s first evangelical Christian president. Kenya’s diverse religious communities have generally coexisted peacefully, and President Ruto has even gained the support of many Muslims. According to the 2019 census, approximately 85% of Kenyans identify as Christians, around 11% as Muslims, and the rest follow other religions. Let us pray that President Ruto will unite the nation and wisely address its challenges. May Christians extend love and understanding toward their Muslim neighbors, so that the people of Kenya may come to know the true peace and joy of walking in the light of the Lord’s presence.
2. For decades, the Kenyan government has struggled to control armed banditry in the arid and semi-arid northern regions. These heavily armed groups have burned police vehicles, schools, and public infrastructure, while stealing thousands of livestock. Recently, attacks have grown more brazen, including deadly ambushes on police. In response, President Ruto has deployed the military to bring an end to the violence. Let us pray that those who lead in destruction will be scattered by God’s power, and that these violent groups will turn from evil and bow before the Lord, the Sovereign of all the earth. May salvation reach even them, and may they come to know the living God as their strength and shield.
3. In April 2023, police discovered 26 bodies on a ranch in Shakahola, near the southeastern coastal city of Malindi. The victims were followers of Paul Mackenzie Nthenge, leader of the cult Good News International Church. He had forced them to fast and pray to “meet Jesus,” which tragically led to their deaths. The incident left families in grief and shock. Let us pray that the churches of Kenya will stand together against heresy and deception, protecting believers from false teachings. May Kenyan Christians be given discernment to recognize sound doctrine and the true gospel. Let the light of the knowledge of God’s glory shine across Kenya, removing greed and confusion, and raising up worshipers who honor the Holy God in spirit and truth.
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