Kenya

In 1991 the Presbyterian Church in East Africa (PCEA) celebrated its 100th anniversary. Since the Church's founding by a group of young Scottish Presbyterians in Kibwezi, the gospel has taken hold among the industrious Kikuyu people, and the church has seen phenomenal growth. PC(USA) work dates back 65 years and was a centerpiece of mission work by the united Presbyterian Church of North America (UPNA). The PC(USA) works through mission personnel, Young Adult Volunteers and partner churches in educational ministries primary schools; secondary schools; a major institution, Presbyterian College, which includes a pastoral training institute; and St. Paul’s Theological College) and in health ministries (four hospitals and 25 related clinics). Mission networks and congregational and presbytery relationships are an important mission focus. There are presbytery partnerships with 10 of the 37 presbyteries in Kenya.

The church has had a significant role in the country, with many persons in government and prominent positions having attended Presbyterian schools. HIV/AIDS has hit the professions hard, and the country has suffered from drought and floods. The PC(USA) has assisted with disaster assistance, the building of new church facilities and leadership development scholarships. With 500 clergy for 4 million church members, the development of a strong laity has been essential.

The 2009 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 37-38

February 5
February 6

Overview of Africa

Resources

We Believe Mission Stories for Youth & Adults (PDS #664901) is a 13-session curriculum produced by Congregational Ministries Publishing for summer 2009. It features Bible studies written by participants of the PC(USA) Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) program and stories that connect participants to 13 mission sites around the world, including Kenya. We Believe Mission Stories 2009 for Children (PDS #664900) is a curriculum (K–5) featuring stories from the children of PC(USA) mission personnel or PC(USA) mission personnel who work with children. Cost of each series: $29.95.

The Thoughtful Christian, produced by Westminster John Knox Press, is a Web-based curriculum series on contemporary issues, Bible and theology, Christian living, etc. Included are two studies about Kenya: Understanding Kenya (one session) and Will Kenya's Democracy Survive? (one session) The studies cost $5 per session.

Related Stories

June 9, 2009 Pennsylvania church has special connection to Kenyan Presbyterians
Winter/Spring 2009 Highlights: Christian peacemaking
April 8, 2009 PDA Situation report — Kenya Famine and Drought
February 17, 2009 Twelve new PC(USA) mission workers begin service September 3, 2008 African ecumenical leader says church helped end Kenyan violence
May 1, 2008 Minute for Mission: Preparing Kenyan Pastors for Today’s Problems
April 21, 2008 [CWS] Sand dam brings clean water to climate-stressed Kenyan village
October 2007 Tumekurana Update: A historic gathering
Sept. 9–13, 2007 Tumekutana: A conference of African women

Blackhawk Presbytery
Cimarron Presbytery
Detroit Presbytery
John Knox Presbytery
Los Ranchos Presbytery
National Capital Presbytery
Newton Presbytery
Northern Plains Presbytery
Redwoods Presbytery
West Virginia Presbytery

• 2009 meeting date: Oct. 21–Oct. 22 (in conjunction with the Mission Celebration), Cincinnati, Ohio
• For more information contact Doug Welch or Lacey Gilliam.
  

The Kenya Mission Network is among more than 25 networks that connect Presbyterians who share a common mission interest. Most participants are involved in mission partnerships through congregations, presbyteries or synods. Network members come together to coordinate efforts, share best practices and develop strategies.

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