On a recent trip to Mombasa‘s north coast, I came across a petrol station named “New Life International Energies.”

My enquiry indicated it’s owned by a church by the same name. I noted that the branding was similar to that of well-known international oil companies.  Church investments are no longer news. They own land, office blocks, schools, universities and other assets. Churches are the most noticeable buildings in the rural areas.

Why is the church joining the investment frenzy? One is incentives, particularly tax. Two is the availability of capital, from church followers or savings. Remember the church has been there for ages and owns lots of assets, accumulated over time.