Hard-hit by both drought and flooding, and then locust swarms, Kenya is an economic leader in Africa, and yet half of its population lives below the poverty level. Ailments associated with poverty such as malaria, diarrhea, pneumonia and malnutrition remain common threats, killing many children. Corruption in government is responsible for an inability to address these concerns.
Kenya has a diverse population of many ethnic groups. The largest native ethnic groups are the Kikuyu, Luhya, Kalenjin, Luo and Kamba. The northeastern border area with Somalia is inhabited by many ethnic Somalis, and Muslim extremists from Somali rebel group Al Shabaab or their sympathizers have launched many guerrilla attacks on migrant workers from the interior and other Christians.
English and Swahili are the two official languages, with many rural communities speaking their native ethnic languages. At least 69 languages are spoken in Kenya.
While 78 percent of the population identifies as Christian, many belong to nominal denominations, while others blend animistic tribal religions into their church practice. Islam, practiced by 10.9 percent of the population, is the country’s second-largest religion, with most Muslims living in either coastal areas or along the border with Somalia.
Indigenous missionaries are reaching more than 30 unreached people groups. They need assistance for training and support, Bibles, discipleship materials, and bicycles and motorbikes. Other ministry tools such as sound systems and projectors for gospel films are needed, along with simple structures for churches that meet outside.
To combat Kenya’s widespread poverty, ministries are undertaking income-generating projects to support their workers and the communities they are serving. One ministry seeks funding to supply goats so that 40 families can achieve economic stability. Another ministry plans to provide cows to 10 pastors. Local missionaries seek to provide poultry projects to 10 widows and sewing machines for 10 others who complete sewing classes. Local missionaries also seek assistance to provide a brick-making machine to youths who are helping to support their families by selling hand-made bricks. Workers are also providing food, clothing, medicine and education to the children of a community they hope to reach for Christ.
Missionaries and the people they’re serving have been devastated by natural disasters like locust swarms and drought, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. Hunger is widespread, and people must migrate or starve. Local workers are providing relief aid to the poor and helping orphans and other needy people with basic necessities and schooling.
Sources: Joshua Project, Wikipedia
