HIV, lost boys, childrens prison and babies

I always assumed Kenya was the exception when it came to African nations. That it was democratic, stable, and relatively free of corruption. Contrary to this assumption I found it to chronically suffer from political instability, permeated with a culture of corruption, and a history of political suppression including imprisonment and political murders dating back to its independence from Britain following the Mau Mau uprising in the 1950’s. Consequently government funds as well as foreign aid money has been siphoned off, programs that benefit the rural poor are limited, and problems with deforestation and the introduction of non native foods along with the rampant growth of HIV infection have left Kenyan’s health worse now than 30 years ago. The good news is that many NGO’s, both faith and non faith based, as well as in country organizations have strived to impact the average Kenyan through improving public health, maternal/infant health, nutrition, and restoring the natural environment and water quality. While tribalism and cronyism have impacted democracy and the rule of law, there are many voices throughout the country calling for, and working for change.

Nehemiah serves the local community not only through intentional living, responsible and sustainable agriculture practices which are economically sound, but through service to their neighbors. We had the opportunity to visit several area schools which are single room, block buildings with tin roofs, but no power or water. We were always greeted by the children as we walked up the path, holding our hands, shouting “how are you”, and taking us into the class. Kids are kids the world around. Squirming, poking each other, laughing. It was hilarious reading stories that had a western context and having the teacher translate into Kiswahili, or Luo. The kids have to learn not only the trade language of east Africa-Kiswahili, but English, as well as their tribal dialect. Nehemiah has visited these schools often, supporting the communities and their teachers with encouragement, supplies, teaching lessons, monetary support and helping villages develop a vision for their children’s education.

Karunga School, baby class



Central to a new Kenya is how it has, and will deal with it's social and public health issues. The problems are huge, and the answers complex. Rather than just giving aid dollars, it seems imperative that partnerships with Kenyans, NGO's, and the government for the long term will lead to real change. We had the privilege of learning about some of the activities that are making a difference. Kincoship is an HIV/AIDs testing counseling service which is village based, that provides initial free testing and education about HIV and related diseases. They provide both referral for medications and home follow up and support groups for HIV positive clients. This outreach program mirrors functions that public health facilities in the states provide, but with far fewer resources. I really enjoyed visiting with the counselors about their work and seeing Ashley Bice, who is a community health educator working at Nehemiah, build relationships to support not only their work, but also helping other villages with health related issues. These included forums for open discussion of HIV/AIDS and prevention of transmission; sanitation, and water improvement programs.

Miwani health center team with Ashley Bice, community health educator



Our visit at Miwani town’s Kincoship included a visit to the community health clinic. George, the health nurse, and his lab technician provide basic health care, prenatal care, immunizations, and OB/delivery services to the greater Miwani area. He sees 40+ patients/day, with a basic table for exams; a microscope for malaria smears, TB sputum smears, and stool studies for parasites. He has no running water, electricity, and only a propane refrigerator for his vaccines. He has a heart for those he serves and a vision for how he can improve services to his community. I made a promise I will never complain about frustrations with practicing medicine in the US, without stopping to think of George. I really felt good about representing Nehemiah while listening to his story, and to provide encouragement that Nehemiah would support his work including plans to build a clinic facility on the farm compound which would augment the work that he is doing. This facility has been in the planning stages for over a year and should be built out and functional within the next year, providing space for a nurse and rotating providers to serve the Miwani villages.



One of the more powerful experiences for both Hanna and me was visiting Agape Ministries drop in center for street boys in Kisumu. This ministry provides a place of refuge, meals, and an attempt to rescue, redeem, rehabilitate, and reintegrate boys who by choice or circumstance live on the street. These are wild, tough, boys—ragged and torn both in clothing and spirit. One out of one hundred actually makes it to the rehabilitation phase where they are housed, go to school, and reintegrated with their families. We were cautioned that they might be physically aggressive towards the girls on our team and to watch our belongings as they could easily disappear. They have a high use of glue and often are intoxicated on it, but they are not allowed to bring it into the center or to bring in weapons. On arriving, as expected we were mobbed a bit, but didn’t feel threatened and within a few minutes felt at ease. The staff was wonderful; balancing control while still being a friend and providing fun for the boys. There were soccer games going on, a table with boy’s intent on creating drawings, and an impromptu steel drum ensemble pounding on old oil cans. Some were nodding, lying in old tires, sleeping off the effects of glue. Hanna and I got involved in a no rules, no holds barred volley ball game. I will always remember Matthew, a boy of probably 12, on the fringes. In spite of his appearance you could tell he had a soft heart, and probably was at the bottom of the pecking order on the street. It was a joy to bring him into the game, show him how to play, encourage him to hit the ball and see the smile on his face. As the morning went on I had the vision of an onion, of all things. Onions have tough bitter and bruised skins, and as you peel each layer back, it becomes fresher, sweeter, and makes you cry all the more. So did these boys—below the dirt, toughness, and addiction; at their core, these were children who needed love and attention. All of them were a Matthew.

Street boys-drop in center, Kisumu



In Kenya, being young, on the street and not quick enough to evade the police will land you in prison. Children’s prison is for “offenders” younger than 15. Some have committed crimes ranging from stealing to murder. Most, having been abandoned by their families, become wards of this form of social welfare. There is no segregation by age or crime, only by gender. While the facility was clean and improvements have been made (according to Evelyn who has visited many times), the kids are locked in at night in wards with no supervision. They do receive schooling and meals but I wonder about their personal safety. Our group did have the opportunity to visit with them, take and share digital pictures, sing some songs and give a message which was interpreted by our friends from Agape ministries. In my heart I know that Christ cares deeply, loves completely, and has a plan for each of these lost kids. We are not the instrument of change but the vessel that change will occur through prayer, petition, and ongoing relationship. Pray for these kids.

"Inmates", childrens remand center







Many aid programs in Kenya are faith based, and often started by the vision of a few who are called to serve. New Life Home is an organization that serves abandoned babies. Placement at New Life occurs between birth and one year of age. They provide an adoption service and the oldest child at the home is currently 5 years. These kids are often abandoned on their door step or sent after being abandoned at a hospital or left on the street. The babies may have developmental disabilities or cerebral palsy. We were warmly welcomed, given a tour of the facility and given a chance to just play with the kids. The staffing ratio was incredible and each of the staff seemed to have a joy and pride in caring for these kids. I’ve never seen such a suspicious look from 2 year olds as those we played with in the sand box. It must have been overwhelming to see a group of giant “muzungu” (white people) descend on them. After a while they loosened up a bit and we had fun dumping sand into buckets and riding the merry go round. The best pleasures are simple. Moses has Cerebral Palsy and can barely crawl, but we had a lot of fun when I put him in a bean bag chair facing upwards and spun the chair round and round. Laughs and giggles from him; I must have gotten something in my eyes as they were a little watery.

Playtime, New Life Home