Luo in Kenya


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Luos speak Dholuo. They primarily reside in Kenya, but there is also a sizable population in Tanzania. In both of these countries, they live near Lake Victoria. A small number are in the United States. American President Barak Obama’s father was Luo.

Traditionally, the Luos were farmers, pastoralists, and fishermen.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Today, the Luo lifestyle is changing. Some remain farmers, but they are noted for being a key part of Kenya’s intellectual and skilled labor force in urban settings. Some have been scientists, teachers, intellectuals, and star athletes for Kenya’s Olympic team. Others have created new genres of music.

They still enjoy fish as an essential part of their diet. They eat osuga and apoth as their vegetables, and millet for their starch.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Though they have traditional African beliefs, most adhere to Christianity in one form or another.


What Are Their Needs?

The Luos need spiritual hunger and a desire for truth. They need to become more dedicated to Jesus Christ.


Prayer Items

Pray for the Holy Spirit to move powerfully in Luo churches and families.
Pray for them to draw close to the only Savior, Jesus Christ, and desire an even closer walk with him.
Pray for hundreds to be called and sent by their churches to the spiritually lost in Sudan and Somalia.


Scripture Prayers for the Luo in Kenya.


References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luo_people


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Luo
People Name in Country Luo
Alternate Names
Population this Country 7,038,000
Population all Countries 7,314,000
Total Countries 3
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale Progress Gauge
Unreached No
Frontier People Group No
GSEC 5  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed
PeopleID3 13157
ROP3 Code 115030
Country Kenya
Region Africa, East and Southern
Continent Africa
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, and Migori counties; northern Nyamira and Kisii counties; Busia and Kakamega counties: border areas. Kavirondo Gulf area.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Kenya
Region Africa, East and Southern
Continent Africa
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, and Migori counties; northern Nyamira and Kisii counties; Busia and Kakamega counties: border areas. Kavirondo Gulf area..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016

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Ethnolinguistic map or other map

Primary Religion: Christianity
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 62.04 %)
98.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.50 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.50 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
1.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Dholuo (7,038,000 speakers)
Language Code luo   Ethnologue Listing
Primary Dialect Dholuo
Dialect Code 153   Global Recordings Listing
Written / Published Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Dholuo (7,038,000 speakers)
Language Code luo   Ethnologue Listing
Primary Dialect Dholuo
Dialect Code 153   Global Recordings Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Dholuo

Primary Language:  Dholuo

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1911-1964)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1926)
Bible-Complete Yes  (1953-2021)
FCBH NT (www.bible.is) Online
YouVersion NT (www.bible.com) Online
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Film / Video God's Story video God's Story
Film / Video Jesus Film: view in Dholuo Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Love letter to you from scripture Father's Love Letter
Film / Video Walking with Jesus video Jesus Film Project
General Bible for Children Bible for Children
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Scripture Earth Gospel resources links Scripture Earth
General YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App Android Bible app: Dholuo YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App Android Bible app: Dholuo Bible Biblica
Mobile App Download audio Bible app as APK file Faith Comes by Hearing
Mobile App Download audio Bible app from Google Play Store Faith Comes by Hearing
Mobile App iOS Bible app: Dholuo YouVersion Bibles
Text / Printed Matter Children and youth resources One Hope
Text / Printed Matter Gospel tract General / Other
Photo Source Copyrighted © 2025  Kerry Oslon  All rights reserved.  Used with permission
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.