BONI

"The Boni are a small group of hunters and gatherers who live in the hinterland of the Lamu District, north of Witu. They are believed to be descendants of a Southern Cushitic group which became hunters and gatherers as a means of adapting to the new environment of the Lamu mainland, which was dense forest at that time. Cush, mentioned in the Bible many times, was the name of a large region of what is today northern Sudan. However, it has also been theorized that the Boni are a remnant of the Bushmen who were the first inhabitants of this area.

Following Kenya's independence in 1963, there was considerable Somali raiding down into the Lamu District. The Boni who were living in the northern part of the district were forced to flee to the south because of these raids. In 1968, the bandit disturbances had decreased and the Boni began to filter back into the bush. Currently, hunting and gathering is still practiced with limited farming.

Near the coast the Boni profess to be Muslims, whereas in the hinterland the Boni tend to follow traditional beliefs. The Islamic influence is due to working on Arab farms and from interaction with the Somali. Their traditional religion is similar to the Orma traditional religion. They believe in one high God and have a sacred spot that is set aside as a place of prayer. Special people are designated to handle religious matters.

Despite the identification with Islam by some of the Boni, they seem to have little understanding of the beliefs of Islam. It is suggested that the Boni are Muslim in name only.

Ministry work will meet strong opposition from the Muslim leaders of Lamu."

• Country: Kenya
• Percent Christian: 82.1%
• Percent Evangelical: 34%
• Population (Year): 30.8 million (1995)
• Major Religion: Christianity
• Openness to Missionaries: Open"

1. HAVE THEY HEARD THE GOSPEL?

Ratio of pastors/evangelists to population: (total pastors/evangelists -0)
Ratio of missionaries to population: 1 missionary for every 2 333 persons (total missionaries- 3)
Who is Jesus Christ to them?< 0. 1% Believe Jesus is the Son of God and are nominally Christians
< 0. 1% Believe in the Son of God and have accepted him as their savior
?% Believe Jesus is a Prophet, Teacher, a Good Man, but not God's Son
95% Have never heard His name

2. HAVE THEY RESPONDED TO THE GOSPEL?

Witness has just begun, responsiveness is unknown.

3. Do THEY HAVE A CHURCH?

NO Ratio of churches to Population: (total churches -0) Total number of communities (cities, towns, villages): Unknown

4. HAS THE WORD OF GOD BEEN TRANSLATED INTO THEIR MOTHER TONGUE?

No. Bible Translation and Literacy is preparing to begin translation in 1995.

5. ANY HINDRANCES TO SCRIPTURE DISTRIBUTION?

Literacy Rate: 1 %
The Boni nomadic lifestyle makes it difficult to establish schools and teach reading.

6. WHAT OTHER FORMS OF GOSPEL PRESENTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

Recordings: 0
Literature: 0
Films: 0
Radio: 0
Video: 0
Audio-Visual: 0

7. ARE THEY RECEPTIVE TO CHANGE AND TO CHRISTIANITY?

They seem to be very resistant to any change.

8. IS OUTSIDE (CROSS-CULTURAL) ASSISTANCE REQUIRED FROM MISSIONARIES?

Yes. People serving among the tribes of the Lamu District should be well versed in Islam. Opposition from the Muslim community should be expected."