Theorising Syncretism: An African Framework for Religious Adaptation in the Kenyan Diaspora,

**Abstract**

This paper addresses a significant gap in the Arts and Humanities concerning the processes of religious syncretism and cultural adaptation within contemporary African diasporic communities in Kenya. Its primary objective is to critically synthesise current scholarly debates, moving beyond purely theoretical discussion to identify practical implications for both policy and future research. Employing a qualitative, desk‑based methodology, the analysis is framed through a systematic review of recent academic literature and relevant policy documents. The study argues that syncretic practices are not merely acts of preservation but dynamic, context‑specific strategies of adaptation and negotiation within a host society. A key finding is the pressing need for more robust, empirically grounded research to substantiate theoretical frameworks and to better inform stakeholder engagement. Consequently, the paper concludes by advocating for a scholarly and policy agenda that prioritises inclusive, locally grounded strategies and significantly improved data transparency to understand these complex socio‑cultural phenomena. The contribution lies in offering a consolidated analytical framework and a clearer direction for subsequent empirical investigation.

**Keywords:** religious syncretism, cultural adaptation, African diasporas, Kenya, Arts and Humanities, conceptual framework