Kenya Church Records

For information about records for non-Christian religions in Kenya, go to the Religious Records page.

Online Resources and Websites

 * 1838-1991 - - index and images. Includes Kenya.
 * 1906-1963 - Parish registers, Gereformeerde Kerk, Eldoret (Kenya) - 1906-1963 - images
 * 1908-1965 - Parish registers, 1908-1965 Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk. Gemeente Rensburgrus (Eldoret, Kenya)
 * 1949-1975 - Kenya, Vergenoeg, church records - images


 * British Armed Forces and Overseas Births and Baptisms, Kenya, index and images, ($)
 * British Armed Forces and Overseas Births and Baptisms, Africa, index and images, ($)
 * British Armed Forces and Overseas Banns and Marriages, Kenya, index and images, ($)
 * British Armed Forces and Overseas Banns and Marriages, Africa, index and images, ($)
 * British Armed Forces and Overseas Deaths and Burials, index and images, ($), 1908-1965] - images

Historical Background
The predominant religion of Kenya is Christianity; roughly 80% of the total population are Christians. The Christian denominations found in Kenya include: Roman Catholic, Anglican, Presbyterian, Reformed, Methodist, Baptist, Lutheran, and Pentecostal

Information Recorded in the Records
Different denominations, different time periods, and practices of different record keepers will effect how much information can be found in the records. This outline will show the types of details which might be found (best case scenario):

Baptisms
In Catholic and Anglican records, children were usually baptized a few days after birth, and therefore, the baptism record proves date of birth. Other religions, such as Baptists, baptized at other points in the member's life. Baptism registers might give:

Marriages
Marriage registers can give:

Burials
Burial registers may give:

Digital Copies of Church Records in the FamilySearch Catalog
Watch for digitized copies of church records to be added to the collection of the FamilySearch Library. Some records might have viewing restrictions, and can only be viewed at a Family History Center near you, and/or by members of supporting organizations. To find records:
 * a. Click on the records of Kenya.
 * b. Click on Places within Kenya and a list of towns will appear.
 * c. Click on your town if it appears, or the location which you believe was the parish which served your town or village.
 * d. Click on the "Church records" topic. Click on the blue links to specific record titles.
 * e. Some combination of these icons will appear at the far right of the listing for the record. FHL icons.png. The magnifying glass indicates that the record is indexed. Clicking on the magnifying glass will take you to the index. Clicking on the camera will take you to an online digital copy of the records.

Writing for Records
You will probably need to write to or email the national archives, the diocese, or local parish priests to find records. See Letter Writing Guide for Genealogy for help with composing letters.

Writing to a Local Parish
To locate the mailing address or e-mail address for a local parish, consult:
 * The Catholic Directory: Kenya

Historical Background
The earliest traces of the Catholic Church in Kenya begin with the missionaries that penetrated the state in 1498, led by Vasco da Gama. Due to regional conflict, poor transportation, and a largely nomadic presence, it became more established in northern Kenya during the twentieth century.

Online Records
Information is available to current members only for deceased members and immediate family members who are still living. Sign in to FamilySearch and then select Family Tree in the drop-down menu.

Historical Background
American USAID employees and families serving in Kenya in the 1970s held Church services in their own homes. The first African converts in Kenya were baptized in 1979. In 1981 two branches (small congregations) were created in Nairobi and Kiboko. The Church received official recognition in 1991, and that same year missionary headquarters were established in Nairobi. By 1994 four districts, with several branches each, had been created and large congregations attended many of the meetings. The first meetinghouse was completed in July 1994 for the Longata Branch in Nairobi. The Nairobi Kenya Stake was organized on 9 September 2001, the first stake in Kenya. Total Church Membership: 14,143. Congregations: 48.

Writing for Records

 * Google Maps search results for Anglican churches in Kenya

Writing for Records

 * Google Maps search results for Baptist churches in Kenya

Writing for Records
The denomination in Kenya became known as the Reformed Church of East Africa. The records for the Dutch Reformed Church have been maintained in good condition. The records were written in Dutch, Afrikaans, and English.
 * Google Maps search results for Dutch Reformed churches in Kenya

Writing for Records

 * Google Maps search results for Eastern Orthodox churches in Kenya

Historical Background
Orthodoxy entered Kenya in the 1940s. The first archdiocese was established in 1959.

Writing for Records

 * Google Maps search results for Lutheran churches in Kenya

Writing for Records

 * Google Maps search results for Methodist churches in Kenya

Writing for Records

 * Google Maps search results for Pentecostal churches in Kenya

Writing for Records

 * Google Maps search results for Presbyterian churches in Kenya

Writing for Records

 * Google Maps search results for Quaker churches in Kenya

Historical Background
Quakerism entered Kenya in 1902. From there, it spread throughout Kenya. For more information, see Religion in Kenya and Quakers in Africa.