Pray for Kenya

From snowy mountains to sweeping savannahs, Kenya contains a little bit of every landscape Africa has to offer. Fertile plateaus, mountains, deserts, rain forests, and beaches form a varied landscape. National parks, which serve as a major hub for wildlife, draw safari tourists from around the world. In Kenya, famous African animals like lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo can all be found in their natural habitats. Over 40 different ethnic groups live in the country, just as the nation contains populations of Africa’s three major socio-linguistic groups. Migration, trade, and friendly relationships with Kenya’s African neighbors further influence the country.

Once a British colony, Kenya received its independence in 1963. Under moderate leadership, Kenya has formed one of the better economies of East Africa, but in more recent years, corruption and political changes have tested the nation’s stability. A large part of Kenya’s population lives in rural areas where they rely on agriculture, and many of Kenya’s 60 million people face poverty. The government has started to create positive reforms through social welfare and its Vision 2030 plan. Still, much needs to be improved for Kenyans. Environmental problems, high birth rates, corruption, unemployment, and HIV/AIDS continue to hinder development.

Fifty percent of Kenyans are evangelical Christians, and their churches send many missionaries to other countries. The nation has also become a strategic hub for mission groups working across Africa. Christians from all denominations are also planting new churches and seeing the Church grow. Today, about 80 percent of Kenyans are Christian, while the rest of the population mostly practices Islam or traditional tribal religions. Yet even with this progress, churches face many challenges. Inactive faith, the mixing of spirit worship with biblical teaching, and a lack of trained leaders hurt the health of many congregations.