The rise of secularization in Kenya and its impact to the church

Abstract

Secularization is a global challenge that confronts all religions in all contexts. There has been an increase of secularism in Kenya that has continued to erode the ecclesiastical authority of late especially in the urban centers. Open criticism of the church by the public, government and atheists were the main inspirations behind this research. In this regard, I was motivated to explore how secularism is impacting lives of Christians in Nairobi given that the above-mentioned traits are more vivid in the city. Research findings have indicated that various tendencies and factors are responsible for the rising secularism in the country of which has had various effects to the lives of Christians especially in Nairobi, and dichotomizing clearly between sacred and secular remains cumbersome in Kenya. Howbeit the challenge being enormous the church seams not to have elaborate systems and measures of addressing the phenomenon though there are some endeavors. The research has established that diverse groups are affected differently hence attention ought to be accorded as per the magnitude of the influence This research has therefore given a way forward of positively embracing secularism and considering its merits and demerits with an open mind to use it as a tool of evangelism. This doesn’t imply Christianity to be both secular and sacred, but rather endeavor to coexist with an evangelism mind given that it is a challenge right on the ground.