TURKANA

The Turkana are the second largest group of pastoralists in Kenya. These nomadic people roam the dry northwest corner of Kenya. Characteristic of most of Kenya's pastoralists, there is little social structure to tie them down. They have learned to survive by taking advantage of every opportunity that comes their way including expansion into non-Turkana areas.

Although it appears to outsiders that they resist change, it may well be because their traditional system of nomadic pastoralism takes fullest advantage of the limited environment in which they live. The Turkana have shown their openness to change by adapting to life in fishing communities, agricultural schemes, and towns when they believed it was to their advantage.

Livestock are central to the Turkana culture and all aspects of their social, political, and economic life revolve around the stock. Cattle, camels, sheep, and goats are vital to the their lives and are the primary source of food. Livestock also play an important role in payment for bride wealth, compensation for crimes, fines for fathering illegitimate children, and as gifts on social occasions.

The majority of the Turkana still follow their traditional religion. The Turkana believe in a God (Akuj) who is associated with the sky and is the creator of all things. God is called upon in times of need but little concern is given to whether he answers or how. The pragmatic Turkana are aware of the limitations and difficulties impelled by a harsh environment and they follow appropriate social and pastoral techniques to deal with them. They resort very little to the supernatural but depend primarily on known techniques for bringing about desired results. Therefore the Turkana take a nonchalant attitude towards religion, including Christianity.

Though churches has been built and evangelism has taken place among the Turkana the majority still have not turned to Christ as their Saviour."

• 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/evangelist for every 34 000 persons (total pastor/evangelists - 10)

Ratio of missionaries to population: 1 missionary for every 3 500 persons (total missionaries - 96)

Who is Jesus Christ to them?

10% 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
?% Believe Jesus is a myth
?% Have never heard His name

2. HAVE THEY RESPONDED TO THE GOSPEL?

A very small percentage of Turkana have, but the majority have not accepted Jesus Christ as their Saviour.

3. Do THEY HAVE A CHURCH?

Ratio of churches to population: 1 church for every 3 000 persons (total churches - 113)

Total number of communities (cities, towns, villages): The number of villages does not readily apply to this pastoral society.

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

The New Testament has been translated into Turkana. Little work has been done on translating the Old Testament into Turkana, but the work is in progress.

5. ANY HINDRANCES TO SCRIPTURE DISTRIBUTION?

Literacy Rate: ?%
The Turkana are characteristically non-religious, therefore reaching them is difficult. The literacy rate is unknown but adult literacy is known to be low.

6. WHAT OTHER FORMS OF GOSPEL PRESENTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

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

7. ARE THEY RECEPTIVE TO CHANGE AND TO CHRISTIANITY ?

The Turkana are receptive to change if they feel it is to their advantage. However, religion is not seen as a vital part of their life so they are indifferent to Christianity.

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

Yes, the Turkana are nomadic people and any effort to assist these people will be difficult. The Turkana Church must continue to deal with Turkana traditions. Some of these traditions are wholesome and should be incorporated into the Christian community. Others are contrary to Christian principles and must be transformed before they can be incorporated. Others must be rejected by the Christian community. A truly effective strategy that speaks to the Turkana has yet to be discovered."