Kenya

Not many years after Christ’s death, Arab sailors established trading posts along Kenya’s coastal shores. These cities grew in size and importance, and for a time, the Arabs held control of that portion of Kenya. Much later, these ports were visited by Portuguese explorers, including Vasco de Gama. For hundreds of years, Kenya was only known by the towns along the coast. It was colonized by the British - the first attraction being their desire to link their colony of Uganda to the coast by rail. It quickly grew into a thriving country, receiving its independence in 1963. Tea and Coffee have been among its chief exports since colonial years, and in modern times, tourism has become one of its main industries, and a couple million people come every year drawn by its wildlife and natural beauty.

Kenya is a land of great diversity. Its climate varies from the beaches of the coast to the rocky mountains edging the Rift Valley, from the semi-desert of the north, to the lush verdure surrounding Lake Victoria. Its diverse population is further divided by region and lifestyle. Although corruption and occasional political discontent is still present, on the whole, the country has had a relatively peaceful history. Being one of the most stable African countries, it has also become one of its more prosperous. Its cities are home to hundreds of affluent modern businessmen and a rising middle class, while some tribal groups continue life as they have for hundreds of years — two worlds seeming to co-exist without completely merging. Swahili and English are the official languages, and every Kenyan generally knows one or both, while they speak different dialects in their home tribal areas.

Approximately the size of Texas, this country is home to nearly sixty million people, who live predominately in the central, southern, and western regions, and most claim Christianity. The Gospel arrived early in the country’s existence from missionaries being among its earliest explorers. Yet, through the intervening years, Christianity has been highly syncretized with traditional beliefs, Catholicism, and Charismatic doctrine, misleading the masses and giving thousands a false hope.

Missionaries in Kenya: