Hostile
Kenya
Kenya is predominantly Christian, but several tribal groups in the north remain largely unreached, and much of the coastal region is predominantly Muslim. Additionally, in the region known as Greater Somalia in northeastern Kenya, 90 percent of the population is ethnically Somali and fervently Muslim. In these areas, Christian missionaries from other parts of Kenya and converts from Islam are often attacked and have been killed. There are some churches in these regions, but their activities are severely limited by the local communities. The Kenyan constitution grants every citizen freedom of religion, but local governments in resistant areas are led by Muslim officials who do little to protect the rights of believers.
Major Religion
78 percent of Kenyans are Christians. However, parts of the country have a Muslim majority with significant Islamist activity and influence.
Persecutor
Islamic extremists are most active in the north and east, and their activities extend to Nairobi in the south. In the coastal areas, community members and local governments also persecute Christians.
WHAT IT MEANS TO FOLLOW CHRIST IN KENYA
Christians cannot openly discuss their faith in areas with a Somali majority or areas near the northern border without risk of losing their family, livelihood and standing in their community. There is a significant threat of violence against Christian converts in Somali-majority areas. In northeastern Kenya, the al-Shabab Islamic terrorist group attacks Christians, bombing churches and killing believers. In Muslim-majority coastal and northeastern areas, Christians are persecuted by local governments and rejected by their families and communities.
Access to Bibles
Bibles are available, but they are hard to find in the Muslim-majority areas and in some dialects. Give Bibles
VOM Work
VOM supports the widows of Christian martyrs, pastors and evangelists working in hostile areas and also supports sustainability projects for believers who have been ostracized because of their faith. VOM serves many individuals and families from a Muslim background who have been disowned and persecuted by their family or community after converting to Christianity. Our Bible distribution efforts focus on providing Bibles to children and those who speak minority dialects. Give to VOM’s Global Ministry
Pray for Kenya
- Pray that Bibles will be available to Christians living in Muslim-majority areas.
- Pray that the gospel will spread among unreached tribal groups in northern Kenya.
- Pray that God will lead Christians to share their faith in dangerous areas with a Somali majority.
- Pray that persecuted Christians in Muslim-majority coastal and northeastern areas will faithfully follow Christ.
- Ask God to strengthen the unity of believers in Kenya so that Christian fellowship expands.
