MALAKOTE

"The Malakote are an agricultural people living along the Tana river. Their territory begins 200 kilometers upstream from the coast in eastern Kenya and extends for about 100 kilometers. They are largely self-sufficient. Cash income is from the sale of honey, cattle, and mats that the women weave. Trading is conducted with the Somali people to the north and with business men in towns adjacent to the Malakote area. Relations with neighboring groups are friendly.

Houses are constructed near the river, usually from banana or palm leaves over a framework of poles. Where flooding is not a problem, mud walls may be used instead of leaves. There are two rainy seasons each year, and during the dry season when the river is down, the Malakote move into houses on their small farms where the river had previously been. Their goats and cattle are brought to the river for watering but are grazed out away from the forest that borders the river.

There are only a few dirt roads and travel is by dugout canoe and bicycle. Schools are taught in Swahili and English. mostly by teachers unfamiliar with the local language. Attendance is nominally required.

The people's religion is Islam, and as in most of Africa, elements of traditional animism can be found mixed in. There are only two known Christians. Bible Translation and Literacy (BTL) has one family living faith the Malakote, learning the language in order to provide literature including the Scriptures. This couple were sent by Wycliffe Bible Translators in Germany. New mosques are being built with the labour and materials donated by the people. Koranic schools are attended by the majority of the children, where they are taught Muslim traditions and the Arabic script so that they can read the Koran. Muslim holidays and festivals are enjoyed by all of the populations; the main one celebrating the birthday of the Prophet."

• 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: No pastors

Ratio of missionaries to population: 1 Missionary for every 7,500 persons (total missionaries - 2)

Who is Jesus Christ to them ?

0% Believe Jesus is the Son of God and are nominally Christians
0% Believe the Son of God and have accepted Him as their Savior
100% Believe Jesus is a Prophet, Teacher, a Good Man, but not God's Son
0% Believe Jesus is a myth
0% Have never heard His name

2. HAVE THEY RESPONDED TO THE GOSPEL?

Only two people have responded so far as is known

3. DO THEY HAVE A CHURCH?

Ratio of churches to population: No churches
Total number of communities (cities, towns, villages): Unknown, but 35% of population is urban

4. DO THEY HAVE THE WORD OF GOD TRANSLATED INTO THEIR MOTHER TONGUES?

No, but work has begun recently. A Wycliffe Bible Translators’ couple are learning the language and beginning the phonological study necessary to construct an alphabet

5. ANY HINDRANCES TO SCRIPTURE DlSTRIBUTION?

Literacy Rate: about 10%
Lack of literacy

6. WHAT OTHER FORMS OF GOSPEL PRESENTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

None other than spoken word from missionaries

7. ARE THEY RECEPTIVE TO CHANGE AND TO CHRISTlANITY?

They are moderately resistant

8. DO THEY REQUIRE OUTSIDE (CROSS-CULTURAL) ASSISTANCE FROM MISSIONARIES?

Yes, definitely. Friendship evangelism is essential. They could also use agricultural, medical and other community development help."