Religion has long been a defining aspect of Kenya’s cultural and social fabric. From sprawling urban centers to remote rural villages, faith influences daily life, traditions, and even governance. While precise numbers are always a challenge to pin down, a 2019 Africacheck data provides a fascinating snapshot of religious affiliation across the country.
The Religions With the Most Followers
Below are the most popular religions, based on Africacheck’s estimates:
| Religion | Population |
|---|---|
| Catholic | 9,726,169 |
| Protestant | 15,777,473 |
| Evangelical Churches | 9,648,690 |
| African Instituted Churches | 3,292,573 |
| Orthodox | 201,263 |
| Other Christian | 1,732,911 |
| Islam | 5,152,194 |
| Hindu | 60,287 |
| Traditionists | 318,727 |
| Other Religion | 467,083 |
| No Religion / Atheists | 755,750 |
| Don’t Know | 73,253 |
| Not Stated | 6,909 |
The Dominance of Christianity
Christianity is the predominant faith in Kenya, with an overwhelming majority identifying as Christian. However, this broad category branches into various denominations and movements, each with its own theological interpretations and practices.
- Protestantism leads the way with over 15.7 million adherents, reflecting the influence of historical missionary work and modern evangelical movements.
- Catholicism, deeply rooted in Kenyan society since colonial times, follows closely with 9.7 million believers.
- Evangelical Churches, a growing force in the country, account for 9.6 million followers, showcasing the appeal of charismatic worship styles and community-driven faith experiences.
- African Instituted Churches (AICs)—denominations that blend Christian teachings with African traditions—also have a significant presence, with 3.2 million adherents.
- The Orthodox Church, though smaller, maintains a foothold with 201,263 followers, drawing primarily from Kenyan, Ethiopian, and Greek communities.
Islam: A Major Religious Influence
With a population of 5.1 million adherents, Islam is the second-largest religion in Kenya. The faith has deep historical roots along the coastal regions, dating back to Arab traders who introduced it centuries ago. Today, vibrant Muslim communities thrive in cities like Mombasa, Nairobi, and Garissa, as well as across northern Kenya.
Other Religious Identities
Kenya’s religious diversity extends beyond Christianity and Islam:
- Hinduism, primarily practiced by the Indian-Kenyan community, has a presence of 60,287 followers.
- Traditional African religions, often rooted in ancestral worship and spiritual customs, still persist, with 318,727 individuals identifying as traditionists.
- Other religious affiliations account for 467,083 people, reflecting the presence of smaller faith groups and new spiritual movements.
The Unaffiliated and the Uncertain
Not everyone in Kenya subscribes to an organized religion. The census records 755,750 people as having no religion or identifying as atheists—a relatively small but growing demographic. Additionally, 73,253 individuals reported that they “don’t know” their religious affiliation, while 6,909 respondents left the question unanswered.
A Nation Shaped by Faith
Kenya’s religious landscape is a dynamic mix of faith, tradition, and evolving beliefs. While Christianity remains the dominant religion, Islam holds a strong influence, and traditional spiritual practices continue to endure. The diversity within these faiths—ranging from Protestant and Catholic divisions to African-influenced Christian movements—underscores the country’s complex and multifaceted religious identity.
As Kenya continues to grow and modernize, the role of religion will undoubtedly remain a cornerstone of its society, influencing everything from politics to daily interactions. Whether through churches, mosques, temples, or ancestral shrines, faith continues to be an integral part of the Kenyan experience.