More than

133,500

children served

More than

450

church partners

Serving since

1980

In Kenya

Country update

This video was released in July 2022.
If you've been inspired to sponsor a child from Kenya, visit our sponsorship page.

Pray for Kenya

Pray with us for:

God’s protection over vulnerable children and families

Protection over staff and church partners ministering in communities

Wisdom and strength for those in positions of leadership in Kenya

Did you know?

Kenya is home to more than 40 tribal groups and more than 60 languages. Together, they have contributed to Kenya's diverse and rich culture.

Sponsor a child in Kenya

Child sponsorship with Compassion is a unique opportunity to provide a child with food, clean water, shelter, clothing and medical care.

Life in Kenya

Official Country Name: Republic of Kenya

Capital City: Nairobi

Population: More than 54 million

Official Languages: Swahili, English

Life expectancy: Male 59 years, female 64 years

Population with access to safe drinking water: 59%

Infant mortality rate: 28 deaths/1,000 live births

Percentage of children under the age of 5 underweight: 11.2%

Adult literacy rate: Male 85%, female 80%

Religion: Approximately 33% of the population are Protestant, 21% are Roman Catholic, 32% are other Christian traditions, 11% are Muslim, and 3% are of another/unspecified religion or none.

Percentage living on less than $2.15 a day: 29.4%

Source: CIA World Factbook, International Religious Freedom Report, released in 2022 by the Office of International Religious Freedom, U.S. Department of State

Human history dates back millions of years in Kenya, but the interior of the country had few towns or villages until European colonists arrived. Kenyan ports have historically been important for trade with Asian and Arab countries, so towns and cities developed along the coast.

The Portuguese invaded the country in the late 15th century, but their power was short-lived as the country was taken under Islamic control just over a century later. In the late 19th century, European influence returned, as East Africa was divided by European powers and the British government declared Kenya the East African Protectorate.

During this time, native Kenyans were discriminated against, land in the highlands was given to white farmers, and there was an influx of thousands of Indian and Pakistani migrants who rapidly built new infrastructure and developments.

The colonial government collapsed in the 1960s and Kenya became fully independent in 1963. Under this new independent government, land was redistributed to native Kenyans and positions in office were distributed among as many ethnic groups as possible.

The beginnings of economic recovery accompanied the landslide victory of President Mwai Kibaki in 2002, but just three years later the party splintered, and a new opposition coalition was formed. Kibaki's re-election in December 2007 brought charges of vote rigging and violent unrest broke out. Power sharing negotiations eventually brought Raila Amolo Odinga into the government in the restored position of prime minister from 2008 to 2013. Uhuru Kenyatta has served as president since 2013.

Art
Kenyan art is diverse, and you’ll find the culture expressed through dance, art, jewellery and statues.

Music
Folk, hip hop, funk, soul, Euro-pop, hip-hop and Zanzibari Taarab – an east African style of music with middle-eastern origins – are all popular in Kenya. Lyrics often feature in Swahili or other indigenous languages. While national radio stations only play music in Swahili or English, regional radio stations play music in indigenous languages.

Language
The official languages spoken in Kenya are Swahili and English. There are also more than 60 other different tribal languages spoken, including Kikuyu, Luo, Akamba and Maa. Swahili: Habari yako? (How are you?), Salama! (Fine!), Mzuri! (All is well!), Je, waitwaje? (What is your name?), Jina langu ni ... (My name is ...) Kikuyu: Wi mwega? (How are you?), Di mwega. (I am fine.), Witagwo atia? (What is your name?), Jitagwo ... (My name is ...)

Sports and Games
Kenyans are famous for their record-breaking runners. Many also enjoy football and dance.

Typical Foods
Typical Kenyan foods include ugali (porridge made from cornmeal or millet flour), rice, chapatti (bread), maize and beans.

The school year in Kenya begins in January and ends in November. Education is highly valued and seen as the key to both personal and communal success.

Since 2003, primary education has been free and compulsory in the country, and before the COVID-19 pandemic, 93% of primary-school-aged children were in education. However, only 53% of eligible children were enrolled in secondary school.

The government in Kenya has allocated significant funds to improve education and see that 100% of students transition from primary to secondary education. However, issues such as poor-quality teaching and large class sizes still affect children's learning. For example, in some parts, there are as many as 77 pupils to each teacher.

Many Kenyans in rural villages contribute to an education fund called Harambee (meaning, 'let us pull together') in order to send young people to school.

Source: UNICEF

Approximately 33% of the population are Protestant, 21% are Roman Catholic, 32% are other Christian traditions, 11% are Muslim, and 3% are of another/unspecified religion or none.
 
There is no state religion and citizens are free to follow the faith of their choice. According to the law, new religious groups, institutions or places of worship, and faith-based nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) must register with the Registrar of Societies.
 
The constitution also allows special qadi courts to adjudicate certain types of civil cases based on Islamic law.
 
All public schools have religious education classes taught by government-funded teachers. These classes focus on either Christian, Muslim, or Hindu teachings, the basic content of the religious texts, and ethics. The Ministry of Education allows local communities and schools to decide which course to offer.
 
Statistics from the International Religious Freedom Report, released in 2022 by the Office of International Religious Freedom, U.S. Department of State

Providing support in Kenya

Jey’s childhood was a difficult one. He grew up in a one-room house with his single mother, three brothers, and ten other family members. When his mother grew ill, Jey’s only option was to move to the streets of

Compassion UK Christian Child Development, registered charity in England and Wales (1077216) and Scotland (SC045059). A company limited by guarantee, Registered in England and Wales company number 03719092. Registered address: Compassion House, Barley Way, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 2UT.