Sindhi in Kenya

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People Name: Sindhi
Country: Kenya
10/40 Window: No
Population: 3,400
World Population: 181,400
Primary Language: Sindhi
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Christian Adherents: 0.00 %
Evangelicals: 0.00 %
Scripture: Complete Bible
Online Audio NT: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: South Asia - other
Affinity Bloc: South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Sindhi merchants moved to Zanzibar, East Africa, in the early 19th century, and in 1883 the first Sindhi emigrated from Zanzibar to Kenya. Shortly after that, other merchants moved from Sindh in modern day Pakistan, to Mombasa where they opened textile shops. Owners employed fellow Sindhis, and their numbers grew. Some set up branches in Nairobi, though most stayed in Mombasa.

Where Are they Located?

Sindhis originated in what is now Pakistan's Sindh Province. During the 1947 Partition, Hindu Sindhis in what was becoming Muslim Pakistan, fled for their lives to India. They are especially populous in India, but they also live in many countries of the world including Kenya, Malaysia, Afghanistan, Singapore, the US, and the Philippines.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Sindhis are noted for their ability to prosper as businessmen. Some are in other kinds of high-paying jobs. In Kenya they have their own organizations like the Sindhi Family Welfare Society that makes sure members of their community have their needs met.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Sindhi Hindus in Kenya follow Hindu rites and rituals, but they revere the Sikh holy book Sri Guru Granth Sahib with its teachings from 10 Sikh Gurus. The founder of the Sikh religion, Guru Nanak, was born in 1469. His portrait, along with those of other Sikh Gurus, hangs in their Hindu temples.

What Are Their Needs?

Sindhis are among the world's best international businessmen. As such, they are usually much more in touch with the business world, which has helped them prosper economically. It is very difficult for people like this to have the spiritual hunger to seek and find Jesus Christ.

Prayer Points

Pray that Almighty God will unloose His power and touch the hearts of the Hindu Sindhis in Kenya. May they understand how much He loves them and longs to adopt them into His holy family.
Pray that the Holy Spirit will raise up and send God's children to draw Sindhis to the Father.
Pray for Sindhis in Kenya to be discipled in the ways of Jesus, and teach their children to do the same.

Text Source:   Keith Carey