The role of the National Council of Churches of Kenya in the post-independence political developments in Kenya (1963-1992)

Abstract

This study aims at examining what role, if any, the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has been playing in the politics of Kenya Between 1963 and 1992. It presents a socio-political and economic survey of the Council's Role against the background of the needs and aspiration of the Kenyan Society. The period chosen for the study is significant because it reflects the era of African leadership both in political and ecclesial institutions following the country's attainment of independence in 1963. The problem of the study has been identified as ignorance and confusion among many Kenyans concerning the role of the Church in society, making the study on the role of NCCK in the post-independence political developments a vital case in this aspect. The objectives of the study, theoretical framework, hypotheses, literature review and the research methodology are also presented. In this study, we have presented a historical background of the NCCK. This background is examined from the perspectives of development of the organization from an Alliance of Missions to its present form as the National Council of Churches of Kenya which is the biggest Church organization in Africa, its policies on the socio-political and economic issues, and its structure. The study also focuses on the national issues addressed by the programmes and activities of the NCCK. A detailed evaluation or sample of important issues has been given to help us test our hypotheses. This evaluation shows that tire Council is interested in all matters affecting the lives of the people of Kenya through its active implementation of the projects for self-reliance, provision of relief supplies and vigorous education programmes in the deserving areas. From our research, it becomes evident that people's socio-political and economical well being is part and parcel of the Mission of the Church. There is further evidence, however, that even though this is the case, the involvement of the Church in socio-political matters has provoked opposition from the state and proved controversial. The state envisages a conflict between the ministry that emphasizes peoples economic and socio-political needs on the one hand, and that which emphasizes their spiritual needs on the other. This opposition has been found to be largely as a result of ignorance and suspicion. Finally, the research findings reveal that: (1) The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has been a major facilitator of socio-political and economic development in Kenya, (2) The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has had a great impact on the social transformation of the Country, and (3) The misunderstandings between the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) and the Government have originated from lack of dialogue between the two institutions. Consequently, the study has made the following recommendations: (i) The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) should organize symposia on socio-economic and political issues and invite government leaders and other community leaders to participate so as to facilitate dialogue and reduce misunderstanding between Church and state. In order to enjoy support from' a wider cross-section of the Kenyan Christians, the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) should on the one hand relax membership requirements to accommodate Churches with smaller congregations and limited financial resources, and on the other hand, initiate ecumenical activities and ministries to demonstrate Church unity and attract membership from Church groups in Kenya which are not yet members. The NCCK should combat/confront the problem of ignorance and confusion in Kenya by embarking on a massive conscientization campaign and encouraging lay Christians to participate in politics so as to help build a just and sustainable society. This study finds the National Council of Churches of Kenya to be a viable institution with regard to the fulfillment of its spelt out objectives. Many have looked upon it for services which the national government has failed to provide and it has a lot of credibility in the eyes of those (iii) whose lives it has transformed through its numerous programmes. But in the eyes of those who have not encountered the Council to know its usefulness or those who have not cared to know its raison d'etre, it is viewed as a dangerous political organization posing a threat to national unity. The Council therefore has a duty to enlighten the Kenyan society about its sincere intentions through carrying its activities into areas where it has hitherto not been involved. This study has also found a dire need for research in the area of Church and leadership development in Kenya. Leadership seems to have collapsed at almost all levels and the society desperately needs quality leaders who fear God and apply Christian principles at their work to save Kenya from disintegration. "For righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people. (proverbs 14:34)" /