Punjabi in Kenya

Introduction / History

The name "Punjabi" is used to describe both those who speak Punjabi and those who inhabit the Punjab region in India and Pakistan. Punjabi is an Indo-European language that is divided into six main dialects. Those who live in Kenya speak the Eastern Punjabi dialect, and most are Sikhs.


Modern Punjabi culture was largely shaped by the partitioning of India and Pakistan in 1947. This event resulted in massive migrations that separated the Muslims from the Hindus and Sikhs. In general, the Muslim Punjabis live in Pakistan, while the Hindu or Sikhs are in India. One can also find large Punjabi communities in nearly thirty other countries including Kenya.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Wherever they have gone, the resourceful Punjabis have made a place for themselves within the local communities. In Kenya, as in most countries where they have settled, Punjabis are employed in many different occupations. They excel as mechanics and work in construction. Sikhs, Hindus and Muslims all work in small family businesses.


The Sikhs in Kenya are noted for being generous with charities. They have also opened a facility for those who cannot afford dental and medical care.


While the living conditions of the Punjabis differ greatly from country to country, they have retained much of their traditional culture and language. Though the language is still Punjabi, there are cultural differences between each of the three religious affiliations.


In traditional Punjabi culture, the men oversee the family possessions such as land, shops, or other business assets. The women manage the homes. They cook, care for the children, manage the household finances, and take care of any domestic animals.


Among the diaspora Punjabis, newly-married couples set up their homes wherever they choose. Parents arrange marriages after extensive discussions.


Among the Punjabis, there is no overall system of social control. Instead, each institution (such as business, home, civil administration, religious organization, or political organization) has its own set of laws and disciplinary measures.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Punjabis in Kenya are Sikhs. Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that was founded in northern India during the sixteenth century. Its teachings have combined the elements of both Hinduism and Islam in an attempt to find one god who transcends all religious distinctions.

What Are Their Needs?

Even though Kenya is a predominately Christian nation, very few Punjabis are Christ followers. There is freedom of religion in Kenya, and believers can go to them if they are willing.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Punjabi people in Kenya to have hearts that are open to the abundant blessings of Jesus Christ.


Pray for their families to prosper financially and spiritually as they experience a relationship with Jesus Christ.


Pray for a movement to Christ among the Punjabi people in Kenya that will spread joy, peace, and salvation.


Pray for the Punjabi culture to be renewed and enhanced by a work of the Holy Spirit and shaped into a God-centered and God-honoring mold.


Pray for the Holy Spirit to move among Punjabi family and community leaders to seek his face and enjoy his blessings.

Text Source:   Joshua Project