Kenya Baptist Theological College (KBTC)
Kenya Baptist Theological College (KBTC) began in 1981 as a branch of Arusha Seminary in Kenya. The first class which was offered taught the English speaking skills. In 1982, a Swahili class was offered by the new branch of the seminary. Both the English and Swahili classes were awarded certificates for their work in these languages. In Limuru (near the location of the present day campus), Swahili classes were introduced in 1983. The first graduation for KBTC students was held in July of 1985 when ten graduates were awarded certificates. In 1988, KBTC adopted its own curriculum and separated from its founding seminary. Arusha and the International Baptist Theological Seminary of East Africa (IBTSEA) were separated and two institutions were formed: IBTSEA (Kenya branch) and Kenya Baptist Theological College.
Today, Kenya Baptist Theological College is a Christian institution of higher learning whose primary function is theological education, especially to those who wish to pursue a career in ministry. Training and equipping local Kenyan pastors is of utmost importance to KBTC. The students of KBTC are trained in several different capacities (i.e., theology, religion, religious education, and so forth) while they serve in different leadership roles in their community and surrounding communities in Kenya (i.e., pastor, youth minister, music minister, teacher, administrator, and so forth). The degrees, certificates, and diplomas offered solely through KBTC are offered for the purpose of seeing the growth of Kenyan pastors/ministers. The college offers accredited Bachelor’s and Associate’s Degrees through its partnership with Wayland Baptist University and South Africa Theological Seminary.
As mentioned before, one primary purpose of KBTC is to educate Christian ministers for Baptist Churches in Kenya. Kenya has over 3,000 Baptist churches, but only 300 churches have trained, educated ministers teaching throughout this nation. Therefore, only 10% of the Baptist churches in Kenya have trained clergy. In addition, Kenyan Baptists start about 100 new churches every year, few of which have trained leaders who can appropriately and efficiently train and lead their congregations. Quality leadership is required to nurture and disciple members of these congregations. Therefore, the mission of KBTC is to develop persons into Christ likness and to be servant-leaders who are able to more effectively demonstrate their faith in Christ through all aspects of life, including Christian living, evangelism, discipleship, church planting, training, and equipping of the saints
Since the inception of KBTC, hundreds of pastors and church leaders have graduated with certificates, advanced certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas, Associate’s Degrees, and Bachelor’s Degrees. Most of these graduates are now in the field as pastors, teachers, counselors, and administrative staff. KBTC is equipping church leaders to lead churches to self-sufficiency, growth, and maturity through its efforts of education. The task of advanced education could not be fulfilled if it were not for supporters of KBTC, including the many Baptist Conventions (i.e., Southern, Texas, and Kenyan), Wayland Baptist University, and the many volunteers who support KBTC with time, gifts, and fellowship in Christ.
