In Kenya, millions of children and youth are missing out on the chance to Open The Bible. But the Bible Society of Kenya is changing that by distributing Scriptures to schools.
Most public primary schools in Kenya lack Bibles for Christian Religious Education. Since 2017, Bible Society of Kenya (BSK) has distributed 49,000+ copies of Scriptures to students in 317 schools and 24 children’s homes.
Reports show that this has boosted Bible knowledge among young people, which has had a positive impact in children’s homes and schools in disadvantaged areas. This initiative not only enhances educational resources but also fosters peace and healing in a region marked by insecurity and trauma.
John*, a 24-year-old Secondary School student, tells the impact of the Bible in his life. Years ago, John’s life was in turmoil; he was known for violent outbursts, drug dealing, and being a feared troublemaker in his village. After dropping out for five years, he returned to school in 2020 — and his life took an unexpected turn when the BSK visited and gifted him a Bible.
Reading the Revised Standard Version, he felt a change stirring within him.
“That Bible was like honey in my mouth. Interesting, right? God caused me to seriously read the Bible, and, in the process, I got born again.”
John describes himself now as a ‘fisher of men’ as he helps his peers struggling with drugs, sharing his experience to help others find a new path forward.
Like John’s story, this Bible distribution initiative aims for a long-term impact in students embracing God’s word as they grow and contribute to society.
In March 2024, a team of seven Bible Society Kenya staff made the lengthy trip to some of the most remote schools in Isiolo County, Northern Kenya. Distributing Bibles to marginalised children was their mission, but it was not without challenges. The team encountered rough roads and wild animals, as well as distrust from the community after attacks by bandits just the night before.
The children in almost all the 18 schools looked at them with sadness and hopelessness wondering whether they too had come to add to their wounds. But the team came to show that there are those that care enough to travel from afar, coming in peace to bring them the beautiful gift of God’s word.
The children were left with a message of hope and a chance for a better life with Christ. In the words of the Bible Society Kenya team, “We distributed the Bibles to them … that knew no peace … we left a mark of possibilities! Possibilities of a better life in Christ.”
In the months that followed, the BSK team continued their mission in Elgeyo Marakwet county, planning Bible distribution among marginalised children in 28 schools in the region.
Although rich in resources, the region is beset by crimes of cattle rustling, which has fuelled violence, mistrust, and fear among communities.
Different stakeholders ranging from government officials to clergies were engaged to ensure that the information of this mission is passed along for smooth Bible distribution. And they have expressed their gratitude for the honour of the visits.
Church leaders have also expressed their support for this mission. Bishop Kwambai emphasised the importance of Bible distribution as a “rope” all stakeholders should catch and hold with value, stressing that the initiative can inspire peace and restore hope. He pledged the support of the church to help build peace clubs in schools, saying, “The Word will calm the pains in this land. You have my support.”
Teachers have also asserted the need for Bible distribution, believing God’s word could instil discipline and begin healing deep-seated emotional wounds among students.
Despite the challenges to Bible distribution in remote parts of the country, such as impassable bridges, flooding and adverse weather, Bible Society Kenya’s mission persists because of the impact seen in the lives of Kenya’s young people and families.
Please join us in prayer for:
And pray that Kenyan children and youth will become great ambassadors of God’s love.
Together, let’s support Bible Society of Kenya’s mission to bring hope and transform lives through God’s word.
*Name changed to protect privacy.
In Kenya, disadvantaged young people face diverse and complex social, education, and cultural problems. In…
