Churches in Kenya

There are more than 4,000 registered churches in Kenya, belonging to an innumerable variety of religious denominations. They can range from very mainstream churches, to lesser – known evangelical and gospel offshoots.

Churches in Kenya are predominately Christian, though many different denominations and congregations exist within the population. Overall, more than three quarters of the population identify themselves as Christian (either Protestant or Roman Catholic). However, many Kenyans mix their Christian beliefs with traditional beliefs (such as belief in witchcraft).

Most of the well-established churches in Kenya have their roots in early missionary work, when Europeans first took an interest in the area and they saw an opportunity to preach to a wide new audience.

List of Churches in Kenya

Mainstream Churches in Kenya

1. Roman Catholics Church
2. Anglican Church of Kenya
3. Full Gospel Churches
4. Presbyterian Church of East Africa
5. Africa Inland Church
6. Methodist Church
7. Baptist Church

Lately however, Kenya has witnessed the mushrooming of what are referred to as Pentecostal churches. In Nairobi, the most popular ones include

Church in Kenya – Pentecostal Churches in Nairobi

1. Nairobi Pentecostal ChurchChurches in Kenya – List of Churches in Kenya
2. Nairobi Lighthouse Church
3. Redeemed Gospel Church
4. Deliverance Church
5. Jesus is Alive Ministries
6. Jubilee Christian Centre

Besides these denominations, there are numerous others with a significant presence in Kenya.

Churches in Kenya (2009 census)

1. Catholic Population – 9,010,684
2. Protestant Population – 18,307,466
3. Other Christian Population – 4.559,584
4. Muslim Population – 4,304,798
5. Hindu Population – 53,393
6. Traditionalist Population – 635,352
7. Other Religion Population– 557,450
8. No Religion Population – 922,128
9. Don’t Know  – 61,233

Churches in Kenya – Current Members of the National Council of Churches of Kenya

The National Council of Churches in Kenya, founded in 1918, is the world’s largest Council of churches. NCCK is a fellowship of protestant churches and Christian organizations registered in Kenya. To facilitate the united mission of the Christian church in Kenya, the Council promotes fellowship and ecumenism, nurtures a common understanding of the Christian faith and mission, builds the capacities of the membership and enhances the creation of a just and sustainable society.

The NCCK provides a forum for member churches and organizations to act on common issues, to support and sharpen each other in service and Christian witness. Through NCCK, the membership seeks to facilitate the attainment of a united, just, peaceful and sustainable society. The normal day to day work of evangelism, teaching and pastoral care is carried out by the member churches.

Churches in Kenya – NCCK Full Members

1. Africa Brotherhood Church
2. African Christian Church and Schools
3. African Church of the Holy Spirit
4. African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa
5. African Interior Church
6. African Nineveh Church
7. Anglican Church of Kenya
8. Church of Africa Sinai Mission
9. Church of God in East Africa (Kenya) – Kima Mission
10. Coptic Orthodox Church
11. Episcopal Church of Africa
12. Evangelical Lutheran Church of Kenya
13. Free Pentecostal Fellowship in Kenya
14. Friends Church in Kenya
15. Full Gospel Churches of Kenya
16. Kenya Assemblies of God
17. Kenya Evangelical Lutheran Church of Kenya
18. Kenya Mennonite Church
19. Lyahuka Church of East Africa
20. Maranatha Faith Assemblies
21. Methodist Church in Kenya
22. National Independent Church of Africa
23. Overcoming Faith Center Church of Kenya
24. Pentecostal Evangelistic Fellowship of Africa
25. Presbyterian Church of East Africa
26. Reformed Church of East Africa
27. Salvation Army
28. Scriptural Holiness Mission
29. Zion Harvest Mission

Churches in Kenya – NCCK Probationary Members

1. Scripture Union of Kenya

Churches in Kenya – NCCK Associate Members

1. Bible Society of Kenya
2. Christian Churches Education Association
3. Christian Health Association of Kenya
4. Christian Hostels Fellowship
5. Fellowship of Christian Unions
6. Kenya United Independent Churches
7. Kenya Ecumenical Church Loan Fund
8. Kenya Students Christian Fellowship
9. Public Law Institute
10. St Paul’s University
11. Young Men’s Christian Association
12. Young Women’s Christian Association

Churches in Kenya – NCCK Fraternal Members

1. African Evangelistic Enterprise
2. Daystar University
3. Trans World Radio
4. Trinity Fellowship
5. World Vision

 Churches in Kenya – Video