# Religion in Kenya: 85.5% Christian, 11% Muslim

> Kenya's religious landscape: 85.5% Christian, 11% Muslim with election tensions.
- Title: Religion in Kenya: 85.5% Christian, 11% Muslim · The Rio Times
- Summary: Kenya's religious landscape: 85.5% Christian, 11% Muslim with election tensions. Kenya has 85.5% Christians and 11% Muslims as of 2019, with churches and…
- Keywords: kenya, christian, muslim, election, religion, catholic, anglican, supkem, shakahola, hajj, news, world
- Source: The Rio Times — https://riotimesonline.com/kenya-religion-explained-2026
- Author: Amina Diarra
- Published: 2026-10-17T14:40:20+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: kenya, christian, muslim, election, religion, catholic, anglican, supkem, shakahola, hajj, news, world
## Religious Demographics
Kenya has 85.5 percent Christians and 11 percent Muslims as of 2019 government estimate.
## Christian Breakdown
Non-evangelical Protestants: 33 percent, Catholics: 21 percent, Evangelical churches: 32 percent.
## Muslim Distribution
Most Muslims live in north-east and coastal regions, with ethnic Somalis and Swahilis forming majority.
## Religious Leaders
Archbishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba chairs Catholic bishops, Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit leads Anglicans, Al-Hajj Hassan Ole Naado chairs SUPKEM.
## Election Timeline
General election falls on Tuesday 10 August 2027, with churches and mosques already speaking on political violence.
## US Travel Advisory
US travel advisory for Kenya stands at Level 2, exercise increased caution as of 28 July 2026.
## Catholic Services
Catholic Health Department supplies 25 percent of Kenya's health care through 451 health units.
## Anglican Church
Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit has led Anglican Church since 2016, with 37 dioceses.
## Muslim Organizations
SUPKEM launched Ummatic Policy Liaison Directorate to link Muslim community with government ministries.
## Shakahola Mass Graves
Mass graves found near Malindi, with 429 bodies linked to Paul Mackenzie's alleged starvation campaign.
## Religious Law
Constitution states no state religion, with Kadhis' courts handling Muslim family law.
## Election Violence
All Saints' Cathedral stormed twice in July 2026, with suspects linked to political sponsor.
## State House Church Dispute
President Ruto proposed church at State House, with Catholic and Muslim leaders opposing.
## Religious Holidays
Kenya declared Idd-ul-Fitr on 20 March 2026 and Eid ul-Adha on 27 May 2026.
## Hajj Pilgrimage
Kenya Hajj Mission registered 14 agents for 2027 Hajj pilgrims, with Saudi authorities ending Class D tents.
## Religious Registration
New religious groups must register with Registrar of Societies, requiring theology diplomas and tax compliance.
## Key takeaway

Kenya has 85.5% Christians and 11% Muslims as of 2019, with churches and mosques influencing elections and travel safety.