A Kenyan court has sentenced cult leader Paul Mackenzie to 200 years in prison following his conviction on 191 counts of murder, including the deaths of 190 children.

Mackenzie, a self-proclaimed pastor and leader of a Christian apocalyptic sect known as the Good News International Church, was convicted in October. The charges related to deaths linked to mass starvation and direct killings carried out under his direction.

Justice Diana Kavedza handed down the sentence on Friday, stating it comprised 100 years for 183 counts of murder by starvation and a further 100 years for eight counts of murder by direct homicide.

While Mackenzie faced the possibility of the death penalty, which remains on the books in Kenya, the country has not carried out an execution since 1987.

Although the charges covered 191 deaths, approximately 400 bodies were discovered in what became known as the Shakahola Forest Massacre. Mackenzie's church had been operating since 2003, based in the coastal town of Malindi.

Mackenzie denied the charges, claiming he did not force his followers to starve.

A total of 28 accomplices also received various prison sentences for their roles in the deaths.