POKOT

The Pokot are considered part of the Kalenjin grouping of people. These Highland Nilotic peoples originated in Southern Ethiopia and migrated southward into Kenya as early as 2 000 years ago. Though the Pokot consider themselves to be one people, they are basically divided into two subgroups based on livelihood. About 50% of the Pokot are semi-nomadic semi-pastoralists who live in the lowlands west and north of Kapenguria and throughout Kacheliba Division and Nginyang Division, Baringo District. These people herd cattle, sheep, and goats and live off the products of their stock. The other 50% of the Pokot are agriculturalists who live anywhere, conditions are such that farming can be practiced.

The homestead is the social centre for the Pokot. Here a man lives with his wives, each having their own hut. All members of the family live here and the stock is corralled here at night. The man of the family is head of the homestead, telling the others what duties they are to perform. The position of women in Pokot society is weak. A woman has no voice in any public forums and no authority within her own homestead. She is considered ""foolish"", like the cows for which she is traded.

Illness and death are greatly feared among the Pokot. Death is the end of life and there is no after-life. Therefore, life is most important and is precious to the Pokot. Much of their religious ritual is involved in warding off illness or in effecting cures.

The majority of the Pokot still follow their traditional religion. Approximately 15 percent of Pokot are Christians and the remaining 85% are traditionalists. Even among the Christians, the traditional religion and worldview is still dominant."

• 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: 1 pastor or evangelist for every 15 000 persons (total pastor or evangelists -17)

Ratio of missionaries to population: 1 missionary for every 8 800 persons (total missionaries -30)

Who is Jesus Christ to them?

15% Believe Jesus is the Son of God and are nominally Christians
?% Believe in the Son of God and have accepted Him as their Saviour
?% Believe Jesus is a Prophet, Teacher, a Good Man but not God's Son
?% Have never heard His name

2. HAVE THEY RESPONDED THE GOSPEL?

There is an estimated 15 percent nominal Christians among the Pokot. Even among these Christians, the traditional religion is still practiced. Most of the Pokot have not responded to the Gospel.

3. Do THEY HAVE A CHURCH?

Ratio of churches to population: 1 church for every 723 persons (total churches -365)

Total number of communities (cities, towns, villages): ???

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

The first translation of the New Testament into Pokoot was begun in 1933 but was thought to be faulty. In 1980, the Pokoot Translation Project was established as a joint effort between major missions and churches to push publication of a newly translated New Testament and begin translation of the Old Testament. The United Bible Societies are responsible for the translation of the Old Testament. The name of the language is Pokoot, with two o's, and the name of the people is Pokot, with one o.

5. ANY HINDRANCES TO SCRIPTURE DISTRIBUTION?

Literacy Rate: ?%
For some of the semi-nomadic pastoralists, the ecological conditions of the area makes it so that the people are scattered and constantly shifting. Under such conditions, it is very difficult to evangelize and establish a church. Illiteracy is a major hindrance.

6. WHAT OTHER FORMS OF GOSPEL PRESENTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

Recordings: Yes
Literature: Yes
Films: No
Radio: No
Video: No
Audio-Visual: Yes

7. ARE THEY RECEPTIVE TO CHANGE AND TO CHRISTIANITY?

There is Christian work being done among the Pokot and progress is taking place. Rapidly changing conditions and the thrust towards modernization among the Pokot in the last few years has created an openness, especially among young people.

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

There is a tremendous need for evangelism and then good Christian teaching to new believers throughout the Pokoot area."