Turkana in Kenya
Photo Source:
Kip Lines
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Map Source:
Anonymous
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| People Name: | Turkana |
| Country: | Kenya |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 1,395,000 |
| World Population: | 1,458,000 |
| Primary Language: | Turkana |
| Primary Religion: | Ethnic Religions |
| Christian Adherents: | 48.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 22.16 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Nilotic |
| Affinity Bloc: | Sub-Saharan Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Turkana people are the second largest of the pastoral people of Kenya. They occupy the far northwest corner of the nation, an area of about 67,000 square kilometers.
Around 1700, the Turkana emigrated from the Uganda area over a period of years. They took over the area which is the Turkana district today by simply displacing the existing people of the area. Turkana warriors today still take pride in their reputation as the most fearless fighters in East Africa.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The biggest events for life of Turkana are marriage and childbirth. Other cultural rituals such as circumcision are completed with little ceremony. The marriage, however, may be in process for as long as three years. After the payment of bride price, the wife to be is brought into the home of her husband. The wedding ceremony is not performed until after at least one healthy child is weaned.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Adherence to the traditional religion is weak and seems almost nonchalant among the Turkana. Therefore, if the message of Christ's deliverance is introduced to these people, they would accept it wholeheartedly.
What Are Their Needs?
The main need for the Turkana people is willing and dedicated Christian workers. The Turkana people need to be freed from the fear of the spirit world. They need to put their faith and identity in Jesus Christ.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Lord to give Turkana people dreams and visions of the risen Christ, drawing them to him.
Pray for Turkana elders to surrender their lives to the King of kings.
Pray the few followers of Jesus among the Turkana tribe will live holy lives.