Kindfund

Some of you will remember Alastair Cooke and his famous Letters from America. This short piece is the first of a series describing our visit to Kindfund Kenya in April/May 2026.
The Journey Begins
In mid-April, Jonathan and I set off for Kindfund Kenya with a long agenda of things we hoped to achieve. We left

Belfast late on Tuesday night, travelling by bus to Dublin Airport in time for the first flight to Amsterdam at 6.00 am on Wednesday.
Wednesday was spent almost entirely in transit to Nairobi, and it was around midnight before we were finally settled in our room. During those first two days, we had time to talk, pray and think through how best to approach some of the issues ahead of us.
On Thursday morning, we were picked up in Nairobi by our matatu and taken to Nanyuki, beside Mount Kenya. We arrived at about 2.00 pm, having travelled 190 kilometres from Nairobi. A further 100 kilometres still lay ahead to Ngaremara, but that journey would wait until Saturday.

A Pause in Nanyuki
We had decided to stay two nights in Nanyuki to catch up on lost sleep, do some shopping and acclimatise. Jonathan had arranged for Willie, our mechanic, to bring up the Toyota Regius on Thursday afternoon so that we could move freely around the town, visit the bank and complete our preparations before travelling on to Ngaremara.

Banking Matters Resolved
After a quiet evening meal, a good sleep and a hearty breakfast, we set out on Friday. Jonathan followed up on a few matters while I visited the Kindfund Kenya bank, hoping to resolve problems with dormant accounts and bank cards due for renewal.
Although our branch is in Isiolo, I hoped the Nanyuki branch would be able to help. I was not disappointed. I was received with great courtesy, and the issues were handled professionally. It took about two hours, but I was delighted to have one important matter dealt with before we had even fully arrived. It was a splendid start to the trip and gave us a real sense that God was ahead of us.

Onward to Ngaremara
On Saturday morning, after breakfast, our first stop was the Cottage Hospital, where Jonathan wanted to check on a health matter before we travelled further north. I dropped him off and drove to the garage to refuel the car. By the time I returned, he had been given a clean bill of health.
We then headed to the supermarket to buy essentials for Ngaremara and Wamba. The drive towards Isiolo, around Mount Kenya, was uneventful and gave us time to enjoy the scenery. Nanyuki sits above 5,000 feet and has something of a Southern European feel to its climate.
Before dropping down towards Isiolo and the equatorial heat below 1,000 feet, we stopped at the Kisima roadside café. There we refreshed ourselves, admired the flora and fauna, and enjoyed their homemade cake before tackling the final 50 kilometres of steep downhill road.

A brief stop at the Bomen Hotel in Isiolo, where we greeted Isaiah, our accountant, cleared the way for the final 18 kilometres to Ngaremara. As always, we immediately felt as though we had never been away. It was a homecoming to receive such a warm welcome from the staff and children, and to see the care that had been taken to have everything ready for our arrival. Asante sana.

Sunday morning church in the home is always a joy and we were not disappointed. The children relished the opportunity to participate singing in their various choirs, reciting their memory verses and eager to hear what their ‘visitors were going to share from scripture.’ We sat on the floor, they gathered round all eyes and ears, listened intently to the account of God calling to and speaking with young Samuel. They participated willingly enthusiastically answering questions, displaying their knowledge of the story. Close up we could see and feel how they looked – happy, healthy, full of fun and energy and how they were relating to us and the staff, relaxed, keen, obedient and respectful. A blessing to us naturally causing us to smile and thank God. He is good.

After church the staff sat outside in the shade and the children were all around them some with books others playing games or skipping. Very much a large family scene. Yes, the mood music was good, and we thanked God for the children and the staff who cared for them.

The management team had several matters to discuss with us: the children’s welfare, including a few who needed medical attention; new applications; how to respond to the Government’s stated policy of closing children’s homes; and the maintenance of the site and buildings. Over the next few days, Martha, the manager, kept Jonathan busy reviewing the maintenance projects she hoped to begin.

These were the first days on our arrival at our Ngaremara home where we have 31 children under 10 yrs, the youngest still on baby milk and 14 staff. Over the next three weeks we will also fit in a full Kenyan management conference with managers travelling from our four main projects at Wamba, Ndikir, Dabel and of course Ngaremara. We utilise the occasion to hold the AGM of Kindfund Kenya which is required before filing our annual return with the Registrar of Societies in Nairobi. Jonathan and I will also visit each of the projects and meet local Government Officials and in some cases elders of the villages. Our furthest project is 550 kms from Ngaremara requiring several overnights to fit everything in. Thankfully all but 55kms of that journey is now on tarmac.

Each of these project experiences deserves a future ‘letter from Kenya.’

I would like to finish this first letter today by thanking all of you who sponsor our children by assuring you of the positive transformative impact coming into the Kindfund family (215 children and 41 staff) has had on their lives. Immediately to mind is Mel 10 yrs, one of 4 children who arrived in April 2026, an orphan, malnourished and suffering from a health problem. At first she did not want to leave her grandmother so we permitted her to come every day for food until she asked if she could stay. In the last 3 months she has been taken to hospitals both local and specialist at a distance by our staff sometimes requiring an overnight to get to a diagnosis. Meanwhile she has gained weight, energy and a smile. We can see God at work.

Please pray for her as although the hospital would like to operate that would carry risks and we see her improving and there is no immediate danger. We would like to give her body time to heal on a good diet and for God time to finish his work. We continue to monitor her closely and will review her diagnosis in three months.

Until next time.

Ken

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Dear friends and supporters

I have found my life as manager in Kindfund more of a calling than work.

I have spent years building something that matters, relationships, trust and a sense of belonging for those who have known too much hardship. It is both an honour and a responsibility to serve as a manager with Kindfund.

My role has given me the privilege of walking alongside children and families whose lives have been marked by struggle yet who continue to inspire us with courage and resilience. The work of managing is not without trials. Beyond the planning, reporting and coordinating the heart of the mission lies in people- real lives, real stories and real pain. Some of the most profound experiences have not been passed in offices but at hospital bedsides holding the hands of children whose strength seemed far greater than their years.

The experiences that remain in my heart are:
• those of a nine-month-old baby boy who was battling tuberculosis back in 2022. Despite the tireless efforts of doctors, caregivers and supporters struggling to save his life he passed away. We were left heartbroken.
• a seven-year-old girl who was battling both severe heart failure and tuberculosis early in 2025. For 2 months she fought bravely, enduring the pain that no child should ever have to bear through many sleepless nights. I spent hours by her side watching her cling to life with courage and grace. Despite the best efforts of doctors, caregivers and our team, we had to face the heart-breaking reality that she would not recover. When she passed away it was a loss for all of us who had loved and prayed for her and walked that painful journey together.
Moments like these remind me of both the fragility of life and the urgency of our mission.
Yet, even in the midst of sorrow, there are also positive developments. Watching children who arrived at our home at a very tender age grow into responsible men and women is the most encouraging part. For example, I recall a young girl who came to us having lost both parents. Over the years, with patience, guidance and love, she matured into a compassionate and confident young adult now at teacher training college. Seeing such growth reminds me that every moment invested — every story shared, and every challenge overcome — truly matters. These transformations make the difficulties worthwhile and fill me with hope for the future.
Other stories of hope and healing.
• I think of baby M who came to us a toddler suffering from severe and recurring chest problems. Her condition often left her weak and vulnerable, and many times we feared for her life. Some days I whispered prayers beside her asking God to save her for me. Through prayer, persistent medical care, love and support she gradually recovered. Today at four years old, M is full of energy, joy and laughter that reminds us why we do what we do.
Her story is just one of many testimonies that recovery is possible and that every effort invested in a child’s life can lead to transformation.
• I thank God when I think of P a baby who we were told would probably not walk yet today while still not whole she runs and plays with the other children.
Leadership in this context demands more than administrative ability, it requires compassion, resilience and courage to face loss while continuing to fight for life. I am often reminded that this mission is not mine. It belongs to God, to all of us. Our staff, volunteers and most importantly you our supporters are partners. Your generosity and prayerful support allow us to stand by each child, whether in moments of triumph or moments of sorrow.
Though the challenges are many, the vision that guides us remains clear:
To nurture, to protect, to pray and to give every child the dignity of care and love and the opportunity to know God through Jesus. For this reason, I remain committed to leading with humility, strength and faith knowing that the journey ahead is in God’s hands and we can walk together with him.

With gratitude,
Doreen
Manager.
14th September 2025

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Trust you are all well, we are doing well and reflecting on the goodness of our Lord Jesus Christ. Isn’t it amazing to know that He left all the glory and came to save us. This is pure love, We thank KINDFUND for demonstrating this love to us and the children in Dabel.

We are pleased to share the progress and impact, now in our 4th year, of the Kindfund Feeding Program here. With your generous support, we provide nutritious meals to over 70 children. Beyond addressing hunger and malnourishment, the program has significantly contributed to improved learning outcomes, attendance, and overall well-being. The children we are reaching out to are aged 4-13 years.

Teachers and caregivers have observed positive changes in children participating in the feeding program, including improved Concentration: Students are more alert and attentive during lessons. Higher school attendance motivated by meals availability. We have also noticed enhanced academic performance and social development in learners that we are serving.

Our Bibles lessons are also being done well and many children are being reached with the love of Christ. We are proud to report that the best performance per class came majorly from the children in the program. The majority of these had lost hope in education but God has restored hope to them through Kindfund’s Dabel program. This includes supporting 20 children with school fees. We also boast of six learners from our programme, who are now in form two in secondary schools. They are also performing well in their academics. Its just amazing to report that they perform so well in Christian religious education as a result of the BES that we have been doing together.

Its sad to report that one of the children we had called B broke his leg and he finds it difficult to walk. The leg is straight and hard the doctors at Moyale recommended for a surgery in a specialized hospitals with equipment. His mum a single lady is still traying to raise the funds. We are currently considering how we can help.

Its also amazing to see the transformation taking place in the life of R the girl in Moyale technical training collage. She is learning and is soon sitting for her exams.

We are glad to report that S is also doing well in YWAM ATHI and continues to grow in Christ. We are thrilled by all the doings of the Lord . We look forward to expand the program to reach out to more additional children . We also look to a day that we shall be having Kindfund kindergarten school in Dabel.

From Dabel, we Emily and Fred would like to let you know that your support is making a tangible difference. Every meal served is a step toward a brighter, healthier, and more educated future for these children. On behalf of all the beneficiaries, thank you for your continued generosity and commitment. During this festive season we also wish you a blessed Easter holiday filled with warmth and love. To Mr.K, Mr. W and Mr. J we say Karibu sana (much welcome) to Dabel.

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