At CFJS, we realized that economic theories mixed with a pragmatic approach would not give us the answer to Kenya’s problems. We would have added just another government-bashing document to the many already in existence and gathering dust on the shelves. Therefore, we had to completely revise our thinking to produce a Biblically-informed economic vision: BUILDING A PROSPEROUS KENYA.

This book broadly describes the present situation in Kenya, suggests Biblically-informed solutions to jump-start the economy and provides a sustainable poverty reduction strategy. It provides guiding principles necessary in creating a society that practices justice as a way of life, where all people have a chance at living a quality life. It explains that a Biblical worldview is the proper foundation for an equitable, socially just, economically prosperous and politically stable country that reflects values of justice and righteousness in its national character.

This book argues that the primary cause of poverty is injustice. If justice becomes our ‘shield and defender’ as it says in our National Anthem, we will begin to address the structures that have created this inequality. Most of the strategies put in place to fight poverty have been dealing with the symptoms and signs as opposed to the root cause of poverty, that is, structure and systems that cause and spread poverty. Therefore, poverty is fundamentally caused by a breakdown of relationships: the relationship of man with God, man with fellow man [with community], and man with creation. This results in man failing to observe basic human values and leads to greed, gross inhuman treatment of fellow man, selfishness, immorality, breakdown of social structures that protect especially the vulnerable and the marginalized, corruption and crime and environmental degradation.

The content of this book goes beyond diagnosing the problem but also provides detailed suggestions on how to effect meaningful structural change. It is designed to provide guidelines for social transformation in Kenya [which can be applied elsewhere]’ and targets the institution of the church [including its various organs: congregations, Christian professional groups, Christian foundations], the government, the youth, the media and Kenyans of all walks of life.

Christians For a Just Society [CFJS] is a social justice and advocacy non-profit organization, founded in 1998 by a group of Christian businessmen, clergy and professionals committed to influence Kenya for positive societal change. It provides a platform for both individuals and organizations to articulate justice issues from a Biblical perspective. Through its members and the task forces they convene, CFJS has been mobilizing Christians [lay and clergy] to social transformation activities and empowering the church to take her right place in the society. It believes that the church [the body of Christ] is God’s primary agent for social transformation. The CFJS mission is to seek a just society that respects the rule of law, governed by godly moral values and practices principles of good governance.

To date various programs geared towards leadership development, facilitation of debate between leaders and citizens, active political involvement of members, advocacy training for church leaders, anti-corruption advocacy initiatives, and election monitoring and advocacy have been implemented.