Transformations of Christianity in Kenya: A Historical Survey

Abstract

Christianity in Africa came through five main trajectories. The first main trajectory was the initial evangelization of North Africa in the first seven centuries of Christ Era. The second main trajectory from Europe was through the West African coast (1420-1780). The third trajectory of missionary activity was through the East Coast of Africa (1560-1700). The fourth trajectory was through the Southern Coast of Africa (1652-1840) and the final trajectory of missionary work was during colonialism (1880-1914). This paper is a survey of transformations of Christianity in this final trajectory to date. Thus, Christianity was introduced to Kenya by European and later American missionaries in 19^th and 20^th centuries. Christianity was indigenized after the 1960s after most of the African states gained independence from their colonial masters. Since indigenization, Christianity has gone through various transformations. These transformations are a result of the various factors that have influenced growth of Christianity in Kenya. The main drivers of transformation of Christianity in Kenya besides conversions could be better understood by analyzing colonial and post-colonial theological framework that has influenced or been influenced by cultural, social, economic, and political agenda. This paper attempts to assess Christianity in Kenya in the following areas: (1) Growth of Christianity and its Impact during the Colonial Era, (2) Growth of Christianity and its Impact in the Post-Colonial Era, (3) Christianity's influence on social, political and cultural dimensions, and (4) Missiological implications of Christianity's growth in Kenya.