20/09/2025
Religious Affiliation in Kenya: Current Estimate and Research Basis
Official Statistic
According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) 2019 Population and Housing Census, the distribution of religious affiliation in Kenya is as follows:
Christians: 40,379,079 persons (≈ 85.5–86% of the national population).
Muslims: 5,152,194 persons (≈ 10.9–11%).
Other religions, traditional beliefs, and non-religious: ≈ 3–4%.
This makes Christianity the overwhelmingly dominant faith in Kenya. The 2019 census remains the most recent nationally authoritative source of religious data, and therefore, the official benchmark for Kenya’s religious composition.
Validation of the Figures
1. Primary Source (KNBS 2019): The percentages are drawn directly from the national census, which enumerated all households and included a question on religion.
2. Secondary Verification: Reputable institutions such as AfricaCheck, the U.S. State Department, and Pew Research have reproduced the same distribution figures, confirming consistency and reliability.
3. Comparative Analysis: The figures are consistent with previous Kenyan census rounds and regional religious patterns in East Africa, lending further credibility.
Note on Current Status (2025)
No subsequent nationwide census has been conducted since 2019. While sample-based surveys (e.g., Pew Research) provide insights into trends such as religious switching and intensity of belief, they do not replace the official KNBS census figures. For academic, policy, and official purposes, 86% Christian remains the recognized estimate.
Sample Survey Design for Updated Measurement
If an updated measurement were required, a nationally representative survey could be undertaken:
Method: stratified multi-stage cluster sampling across the 47 counties.
Recommended sample size:
±2% margin of error: ~1,800 respondents (with design effect).
±1% margin of error: ~7,300 respondents.
Question: replicate the census wording (“What is you
