Kenya

The Methodist Church in Kenya (MCK)

Since gaining autonomy in 1967, The Methodist Church in Kenya (MCK) has experienced steady growth, with a reported recent increase of 7.8%. The church now embraces nearly 1,000 congregations, with membership expanding faster than the number of its ministers. MCK’s influence extends beyond its borders, as a multi-national church it also operates in Tanzania, Uganda, southern Sudan and Congo.

Today, the Church has Ministers and church members from almost all the ethnic groups in Kenya and spreads across 45 of the country’s 47 counties. MCK plays a vital role in education, healthcare, and community development, supporting over 600 schools, a hospital, multiple clinics, and vocational centres. It also partners with other churches at St. Paul’s United Theological College, near Nairobi. At the heart of its operations in Nairobi, MCK’s headquarters house a university with satellite campuses and a hospital network that includes multiple dispensaries and clinics—demonstrating its deep commitment to education, health, and community development.

The British Methodist Church entered Kenya in 1862. Though early Methodist mission efforts failed after two Swiss missionaries returned to Europe, Thomas Wakefield’s work found success in Mombasa which led to 21 baptisms in 1870. He expanded missions among the Mijikenda and Duruma people of Kenya, resulting in outposts at Lamu and Kau in 1884. Methodism spread to Central Kenya, notably in Meru under J.B. Griffith in 1895. African leadership played a vital role, especially Rev. Filio Minoti of Meru, an outstanding pastor and leader who exemplified the strength of indigenous initiatives in the Methodist movement.

In 1985, MCK began operating in Uganda which was quickly followed by missionary operations in Tanzania in 1986. It was the Methodist Church in Uganda which saw particular growth, with an additional 30 congregations by 1999. Today, both Uganda and Tanzania have active Synods working to bring the hope of Christ to their communities.