| dc.description.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)"
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