Even as economic growth slows and public protests reflect frustration with high living costs, churches across Kenya are reporting increased tithes and offerings from their members.

Financial records recently released by key churches, including Citam, Nairobi Chapel, All Saints’ Cathedral, and Karura Community Chapel, show that Kenyans are contributing more, not less, to religious institutions.

The reports span the years 2022 to 2024 and point to a consistent pattern of growing donations.

Citam’s latest financial statement revealed that collections from tithes and offerings climbed from Sh1.9 billion in 2022 to Sh2.2 billion in 2023.

The church operates 33 assemblies locally and abroad, including branches in Romania and the United States.

The Valley Road assembly led with the highest income, posting Sh382.2 million in 2023.

It was followed by Woodley and Karen.

Nairobi Chapel also posted growth, with offerings increasing by Sh90.2 million from Sh551.1 million in 2022 to Sh641.3 million in 2023.

The figures were shared at the church’s recent annual general meeting. The church has 33 branches across the country.

Karura Community Chapel, which runs seven outposts in Kenya, saw tithes and offerings rise from Sh125.4 million in 2023 to Sh129.4 million in 2024.

Total income for the chapel moved from Sh215.8 million to Sh222.3 million in the same period.

At All Saints’ Cathedral in Nairobi, the rise was more modest, from Sh193 million in 2023 to Sh196.1 million the following year.

As reported by the Daily Nation, the Karura Chapel report included a story from one congregant who said her life had hit rock bottom, but she chose to give what little she had.

“She shared that in June, she was suicidal as everything in her life seemed to be falling apart. By July, things had worsened, and she had hit rock bottom. Despite this, she remained consistent in prayer, holding onto hope for change. After the seventh week of prayer, as the month ended, she had very little left. She gave her last M-Pesa as an offering and went home," the report stated.

"However, between the 1st and 5th of August, her business experienced a sudden surge in sales, allowing her to settle all her bills. Though she acknowledged that she was not yet where she wanted to be, she continued to trust God. She had learnt to surrender fully to Him, understanding that letting go means not worrying about what has been entrusted to Him, as He is always faithful.”

Some economists say the pattern of increased giving during hard times reflects people’s hope for divine support.

"Tough times make us hope for better times ahead through blessings. And many believe that the more you give, the higher the ‘returns’," said economist XN Iraki.

"Preachers also tailor their messages to encourage continuous giving."

But not everyone is in agreement.

Retired Presbyterian minister Timothy Njoya expressed concern about how some churches use the money they receive.

"Church offerings are used for luxuries, supporting workshops and seminars, holidays, and all that – for clerics. That’s exploitation," he said.

He argued that offerings should be directed to important church functions and warned against giving driven by promises of material blessings.

"That is corruption," Rev Njoya said. "God gives irrespective of whether He is given tithe or not. We are God’s creation. We live by God’s grace."

He also said giving should not come at the cost of one’s own well-being.

"It would be oppressive to pressure them (Christians) to give if what they have does not meet their own subsistence needs. You don’t give 10% of something that you cannot live on," he said.

On whether tithes should adjust with declining income, Rev Njoya agreed.

In his view, if someone’s income drops from Sh50,000 to Sh45,000, their tithe should reduce accordingly, from Sh5,000 to Sh4,500.

In many places of worship, offering sessions are supported by Bible readings, and many churches have modernised their giving systems with mobile money and card payment options.

Amid a slow economy and rising uncertainty, Kenyan churches continue to thrive financially, supported by members whose giving is rooted in hope and belief.