Religious diversity in Kenya took center stage as 20 interfaith leaders gathered in Oloosuyian, Kajiado for a reflective dialogue on unity and peaceful coexistence. The Religious Leaders Conference on Living with Differences: Bridging Divides and Building Peaceful Communities addressed Kenya’s longstanding religious divides—rooted in historical complexities and shaped by today’s sociopolitical dynamics. The event emphasized the urgent need to foster inclusive communities that embrace faith-based diversity as a strength for national harmony
Faith communities in Kenya share values such as peace, justice, compassion, and service. Specifically, Islam and Christianity, the two largest faith traditions in Kenya, share so much, yet their relationship has often been shaped less by theology and more by broader historical, political, and socio-economic forces. Globally and within Kenya, interactions between these two communities have encompassed periods of cooperation, conflict, coexistence, and constructive dialogue. From the early Islamic protection of Christian minorities in the Middle East to the violent encounters of the Crusades and the legacies of colonial missionary activity, their historical engagement has been multifaceted (Smith, 2015). In the Kenyan context, these global complexities have been compounded by historical injustices, disparities in development, and a lack of sustained and inclusive interfaith engagement. This has, at times, contributed to mutual suspicion and social fragmentation, making it essential to intentionally foster dialogue and collaboration between Muslims and Christians to promote national cohesion and peace.
When Kenya was a British Colony, particularly in Central, Western, and parts of Eastern, Christian missions were permitted and encouraged to establish schools, hospitals, and other institutions. In Coastal and North Eastern Kenya, Muslim majority regions were viewed with suspicion and subsequently neglected in terms of education and infrastructure. This led to a significant and long-lasting socioeconomic and educational divide. While many Muslim communities were sidelined because they had opposed Christian-based education, Christian groups benefited. These enduring disparities have affected participation in national governance, job opportunities, and access to public office.
Christians and Muslims live side-by-side in businesses, schools, communities, and marketplaces in modern-day Kenya. Interfaith alliances, friendships, and unions exist across communities. Programs such as the Faith for Peace Program by Re-Imagining New Communities and even the national outfit Inter-Religious Council of Kenya offer platforms for engagement. But problems still exist. Muslims continue to experience underrepresentation in governance, limited regional investment, and widespread religious profiling, particularly in relation to national security activities. Many young Muslims report feeling alienated, despite the fact that some Christian groups are unaware of the structural inequities that their Muslim counterparts must contend with.
The Oloosuyian gathering discussed the causes of the two communities’ continued separation. The past injustices of colonialism and postcolonialism that now require effective redress were brought to light by them. In terms of infrastructure, health, and economic prospects, many localities with a majority of Muslims are still left out and given lower priority in national development plans. Education is a significant issue, and access to high-quality secular education is restricted in some Muslim communities, which restricts opportunities for upward mobility. The leaders also acknowledged that reciprocal religious stereotypes still exist and they cause mistrust and fear in communities. Additionally, counterterrorism efforts target Muslim teenagers disproportionately, which heightens feelings of animosity and isolation.
Despite these concerns, the summit was marked by a feeling of hope and resolution. Explicit and tangible promises were made by religious leaders. From modest neighborhood forums to powerful national platforms, they pledged to promote interfaith cooperation at all societal levels. They promised to support legislation that encourages equitable development, especially for marginalized populations. It was decided that creating shared spaces for young people of both religions to interact, learn, and grow together was important. Above all, they promised to speak out against any type of injustice, regardless of religious affiliation.
According to a Muslim leader, religiously based limits hinder genuine and practical interactions, but they also promote fairness, communication, and respect for one another. This idea was mirrored by a Christian pastor, who emphasized that Kenyans are one nation; different, yes, but bound to travel together. For Kenya to have a peaceful and inclusive future, bridging the divide is not only doable, but also essential.