Education in Kenya

The basic school system for education in Kenya is the same as in many other western countries, including the United States.

It's referred to as an 8-4-4 system of education. In Kenya, the first primary school level lasts for 8 years, then there is 4 years of secondary school. After that, there may be 4 years of college or university for those who can afford it, and have high enough grades. Enrollment levels drop dramatically after the primary level.

(Progression from primary to secondary school and from secondary to university is through selection on the basis of performance in the national examinations for the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), respectively.)

Duration of compulsory education: 8 years  (free starting in 2003)
Starting age of compulsory education: 6 years
Ending age of compulsory education: 13 years

Though stricken with poverty and hardships, the people of Kenya are generally literate. It's estimated that approximately 90% of adult males, and 80% of adult females are able to read and write. While the basics are covered, more advanced education is not as widespread. On average, children go to school for only 9 or 10 years.

Source.

Key Facts about education in Kenya, based on the results of the Uwezo 2009 assessment:

1. Literacy levels are low, and are substantially lower in certain regions. Girls tend to perform better in reading English and Kiswahili, while boys tend to perform better in math.
2. Literacy levels are lower in public schools than private schools.
3. Most children can solve real world, “ethno-mathematics” problems, while fewer can solve similar math problems in an abstract, pencil and paper format.
4. 5% of children are not enrolled in school, but the problem is far worse in particular regions.
5. About half of children are enrolled in pre-school.
6. Many children are older than expected for their class level, including 40% of children in class 2, and 60% of children in class 7.
7. North Eastern Province and arid districts in Rift Valley and Eastern Provinces have particularly low performance; and many older children, especially girls, are not attending school.
8. Many families pay for extra tuition, which focuses heavily on drilling and exam preparation.
9. Schools struggle to plan their budgets because they receive funds at unpredictable times.
10. Children whose mothers are educated, particularly beyond primary school, tend to have much higher rates of literacy and numeracy.
11. About 15% of students are absent on a given day, with much higher absenteeism in certain districts.
12. There is a severe shortage of teachers, estimated at 4 teachers per school.

Source.

Research conducted by Jenn.

Kenyan Independence

The independent Republic of Kenya was formed in 1964 (not very long ago!). So let’s go back a bit more shall we....

Kenya became a military base for the British in the First World War, as efforts to subdue the German colony to the south were frustrated. In August 1914, the governors of British East Africa (as the British Protectorate was generally know) and German East Africa agreed to a truce in an attempt to keep the young colonies out of direct hostilities. The experience gained by Africans in the war coupled with the creation of the white-settler-dominated Kenya Crown Colony, gave rise to considerable political activity in the 1920s. By the later 1930s government began to intrude on ordinary Africans through marketing controls, stricter education supervision and land changes. Pressure on ordinary Kenyans by governments in a hurry to modernize in the 1930s to 1950s enabled the mass political parties to acquire support for “centrally” focused movements.

In the Second World War (1939-1945) Kenya became an important British military base for successful campaigns against Italy in the Italian Somaliland and Ethiopia. The war brought money and an opportunity for military service to nearly 98,000 men. The war stimulated African nationalism and after the war African ex-servicemen sought to maintain socioeconomic gains they had accrued through service in the King’s African Rifles (KAR). The social and economic connotations of KAR service, combined with massive wartime expansion of Kenyan defense forces, created a new class of modernized Africans with distinctive characteristics and interests.

In response to the rising pressures the British Colonial Office broadened the membership of the Legislative Council and increased it’s role. By 1952 a multiracial pattern of quotas allowed for 14 European, 1 Arab, and 6 Asian elected members, together with an additional 6 African and 1 Arab member chosen by the governor. The council of ministers became the principal instrument of government in 1954.

A key watershed came from 1952 to 1956 during the Mau Mau uprising, an armed local movement directed principally against the colonial government and the European settlers. It was the largest and most successful such movement in British Africa, but it was not emulated by the other colonies. To support its military campaign of counter-insurgency the colonial government embarked on agrarian reforms that stripped white settlers of many of their former protections; for example, Africans were for the first time allowed to grow coffee, the major cash crop. After the suppression of the Mau Mau uprising, the British profited for the election of the six African members of the Legislative Council under a weighted franchise based on education. The new colonial constitution of 1958 increased African representation, but African nationalists began to demand a democratic franchise on the principle of “one man, one vote”. However Europeans and Asians, because of their minority position, feared the effects of the universal suffrage.

At a conference held in 1960 in London, agreement was reached between the African members and the English settlers of the New Kenya Group, led by Michael Blundell. Following the agreement a new African party the Kenya Aferican National Union (KANU), with the slogan “Freedom” (or “Uhuru”) was formed under the leadership of Kikuyu leader James S. Gichuru and labor leader Tom Mboya. A split in KANU produced the breakaway rival party, the Kenya African Democratic Union (KADU), led by R. Ngala and M. Muliro. In the elections of February 1961, KANU won 19 of the 33 seats while KADU won 11.In 1962 a KANU-KADU coalition government, including both leaders Kenyatta and Ngala, was formed. The 1962 constitution established a bicameral legislature consisting of a 117 member House of Representatives and a 41 member Senate. The country was divided into 7 semi-autonomous regions, each with it’s own regional assembly. Open elections were held in May 1963. KADU gained control of the assemblies in the Rift Valley, Coast, and Western regions. KANU won majorities in the Senate and House of Representatives, and in the assemblies in the Central, Eastern, and Nyanza regions. Kenya now achieved internal self-government with Jomo Kenyatta as it’s first prime minister. The British and KANU agreed, over KADU protests, to constitutional changes in October 1963 straightening the central government. Kenya became independent on December 12, 1963. In 1964 Kenya became a republic, and constitutional changes further centralized the government.

The British government bought out the white settlers and they mostly left Kenya.

Kenyatta was succeeded by Daniel arap Moi in 1978 who ruled until 2002. Moi came under pressure, notably by US ambassador Smith Hempstone, to restore a multi-party system from his attempt at a de-jure status, which he did in 1991. During the 1990’s Mois involvement in human rights abuses and corruption was uncovered. He was constitutionally barred from running in the 2002 election, which were won by Mwai Kibaki. Widely reported electoral fraud on Kibaki’s side in the 2007 election resulted in the 2007-2008 Kenyan crisis.

The latest general elections were held on 27 December 2007. In them, President Kibaki under the Party of National Unity ran for re-election against the main opposition party, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). The elections were seen to have been flawed with international observers saying that they were below international standards.  As the count came in to the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK) headquarters, Odinga was shown to have a slight, and then substantial lead as the results from his strongholds came in early. As the ECK continued to count the votes, Kibaki closed the gap and then overtook his opponent by a substantial margin after votes from his stronghold arrived later. This led to protests and open discrediting of the ECK for complicity and to Odinga declaring himself the “people’s president” and calling for a recount. The protests escalated into violence and destruction of property, almost 1,000 people were killed and nearly 600,000 displaced. The dispute caused underlying tensions over land and its distribution to re-erupt, as it had in the 1992 and 1997 elections. Hundreds of thousands were forced off their land to relatives elsewhere in the country and some claim weapons are being bought in the region, perhaps in anticipation of the 2012 elections. <----- This is when many of the residents in the IDP camp across from Naomi’s Village were displaced.

Research conducted by Alyssa.

Donation Supplies

We finally have a list of supplies we're collecting to take with us to Kenya. Would you be willing to contribute any of the following?

Personal Items for Mendonsas
Vanilla Tootsie Rolls
Secret Deodorant - gel or solid
Clean & Clear Continuous Control Acne Cleanser Daily Formula
Tyler Candles (any of the holiday fragrances)
white chocolate chips
Zone Perfect Bars - Dark chocolate kinds (not the fruity dark chocolate though)
Sugar free gum (any kind)
Cheez-its
can pumpkin (2)
Crystal Light - the pitcher size
scotch tape

Naomi Village Needs
Baby Wipes
Baby Jumper
pants & long Sleeved Shirts (6 months and up)
Bottle Brushes
Nipple Brushes
candy
construction paper
scotch tape
Batteries C-cell
children's CDs
children's DVDs
Staff Devotionals
Journals
Craft Projects for after we leave
HP 74 & HP 75 Printer cartridges 

Activities Supplies
Shaving Cream
tempura and acrylic paints
ice trays
Fun Food: PopIce, Pop rocks, hot chocolate, jello, goldfish, pudding, etc
bandanas
Kites
tennis balls
soccer balls
index cards 3X5
popsicle sticks
kick ball
face paint

If you would like to donate any of these supplies you can either leave a comment to this post or contact a team member by email directly. We will then arrange for pick up.

Julie | James | Joshua | Anna | Shane | Alyssa | Jenn | Tim | Matt

We will need to have all donations no later than September 10th.

Meet Naomi's Village

We would like to introduce you to the Children and Staff of Naomi's Village!

Joshua

Joshua is 4 years old. He was the only one in his family to witness and survive a series of murders. His 35 year old father stabbed his 28 year old mother to death. She was just two weeks shy of delivering their 4th child. He then killed Joshua’s siblings ages 1 and 7. Joshua’s father then hung himself above the very table that Joshua had been hiding under; and he remained hidden there until local residents found him the next day.  At NV one day, he let out an ear-piercing scream in the playroom. When asked what he was doing, he responded, “My mommy taught me to scream like this. I learned it when my daddy was killing her.” Despite the horrific things he has experienced, Joshua is full of joy.

Millicent

Millicent is a beautiful 7 yr. old girl with a smile that lights up any room. Her younger sister, Tekla (also known as Stella), is also a part of the Naomi’s Village family. She is of the Turkana tribe, who remain a very traditional tribe in Kenya. Millicent’s mother died of AIDS and her father died in a road traffic accident, leaving her and her sister orphaned. Millicent lived with her aging grandmother and 10 other people in a tiny house in the middle of a desolate plain not too far from Naomi’s Village. The poverty was extreme and made it difficult for the grandmother to provide the basic necessities for the many children.

Tekla (Stella)

Stella is a charming 5 yr. old little girl. She is of the Turkana tribe, who still practice many traditional tribal rituals. Stella’s mother died of AIDS, and her father died in a road traffic accident, leaving Stella orphaned. Stella lived with her aging grandmother and 10 other people in a tiny house in the middle of a desolate plain not far from Naomi’s Village. It is difficult to find water, grow crops, and live in the area where Stella’s grandmother is located. Because of her age, Stella’s grandmother cannot work, making the situation dire. Stella’s older sister, Millicent, is also living at Naomi’s Village.

Paul

Paul is 9 years old and brother to Dennis and John. Paul served as a caregiver for his two younger brothers while his alcoholic mother left them alone to go drinking. He shopped and cooked for his siblings as he sought to provide for them from the meager provisions he could find. Paul lived in extreme poverty. His home was one 8×8 room that was shared with at least 8 other people. There was one thin mattress on the floor for them all to share. Paul had never been to school and lived in a desperate situation. When he and his brothers arrived at NV, they stood in front if the showers in awe that they would get to have running water. After Paul finished his shower, the house mom handed him his soft towel to wrap up in. Paul collapsed on the floor, wrapped in his towel, weeping. His brothers rushed to him concerned. He said to them, “This is our home now! We get to live here!”

Dennis

Dennis is a sensitive 6 yr. old little boy. He comes from Maai Mahiu town and now lives at Naomi’s Village with his 2 brothers, Paul and John. Dennis’ father suffered an accident that severed his spinal cord and led to his death. Dennis’ mother is an alcoholic who has neglected Dennis and his siblings, leaving them in dangerous situations. Dennis lived in extreme poverty, had never been to school, and used to spend his days wandering the streets of Maai Mahiu.

John

John is a fun-loving 3 yr. old little boy. He is the youngest of the 3 brothers (Paul & Dennis) who came to Naomi’s Village after suffering severe neglect from their alcoholic mother. John’s young age has protected him from some of the suffering the older brothers have endured. However, he also lived in extreme poverty. His home was one 8×8 room that was shared with at least 8 other people. There was one thin mattress on the floor for them all to share. John’s father died after suffering a tragic accident that severed his spinal cord.

Evelyne

Evelyne is a quiet, gentle 9 yr. old girl. Both of Evelyne’s parents died of AIDS, leaving her orphaned at a young age. Evelyne spent some time living in Nyahururu in a dangerous situation. When Evelyne’s grandmother became aware of the situation, she sent for her to join her in Muniu. The grandmother is at least 80 yrs. old and cares for 9 other children in her small mud home. Evelyne lived in exceptionally impoverished conditions. It was common for Evelyne to stay home from school to assist her grandmother with the household responsibilities.

Mary Muthoni

Mary is an outgoing and beautiful 9 yr. old girl. Her brother, Zakayo, is also a member of the Naomi’s Village family. Before coming to Naomi’s Village Mary lived in the Jikaze IDP (Internally Displaced People) camp, which is just a few kilometers away from NV. Mary’s parents both died of AIDS, leaving her and her brother to be cared for by their elderly grandmother. Mary shared the very small mud house in the Jikaze IDP camp with her grandmother and 7 other children. Most nights Mary slept on the hard, cold floor as there were no beds in the house. The living situations in the IDP camps are quite difficult as the people struggle to make a new life after being forced to flee from their homes 3 years ago due to election violence.

Mary Wangui

Mary is an energetic 5 yr. old with a smile that will melt your heart. Her mother died of AIDS and Mary has never known her father. Her 80 yr. old grandmother, who lives in Muniu, took her in after her mother’s death. Mary shared a small mud house with her grandmother and 9 other children before coming to Naomi’s Village. The grandmother was the only adult providing care for the many children in her home. Given the elderly age of the grandmother it was difficult for her to provide for the children. Mary’s situation was dire as the poverty was stifling. Mary’s younger brother, Kevin, is also a part of Naomi’s Village.

Kevin

Kevin is a tenderhearted 4 yr. old little boy. His sister Mary is also a part of the Naomi’s Village family. Kevin’s mother died of AIDS and Kevin has never known his father. After the death of his mother, Kevin’s grandmother took in both him and his sister Mary. A total of 10 people shared a small mud house in the village of Muniu with the grandmother being the only adult. The grandmother had to sell her 2 goats to try and provide food for the children. She is quite old and struggled to provide even the basic necessities for all the children. The home-life was one of abject poverty. When Kevin came to NV, he told the cook Doreen, “I pray for you every day because you cook for me every day!”

Zakayo

Zakayo is a shy, but very friendly 8 yr. old boy. Before coming to Naomi’s Village he lived in the Jikaze IDP (Internally Displaced People) camp, which is just a few kilometers away from NV. Both of Zakayo’s parents died of AIDS, leaving him to be cared for by an elderly grandmother. Zakayo shared the very small mud house in the Jikaze IDP camp with his grandmother and 7 other children. There were no beds in the house, leaving Zakayo to sleep on the cold, hard ground night after night. Living in an IDP camp is full of struggles and difficulties as the people adjust to the new life that was forced upon them due to the election violence of Dec. 2007. This is compounded for Zakayo, as his primary caregiver is quite elderly. Zakayo’s sister, Mary, has also moved to Naomi’s Village.

Ann

Ann is 7 years old. Her dad died of HIV/AIDS; her mom who was very sick, abandoned the children 3 years ago and has since also died of HIV/AIDS. Ann lived in one of the most dire situations the Mendonsas had ever seen - remote existence, extreme poverty, etc. On a good day, she got 1 cup of porridge; on a bad day, she got a cup of water. She is sister to Mercy.

Mercy

Mercy is a 3-1/2 yr. old little girl who had never seen white people when the Mendonsas first met her. She was quite afraid of them as they were so different from what existed in the world she knew. Mercy is sister to Ann and stayed very close to her side. Mercy’s parents both died of HIV/AIDS, leaving her to live with her elderly grandmother. Mercy’s situation is one of the most impoverished and desperate the Mendonsas had ever come across. At least 11 people lived in a very small mud house in the middle of the African bush. The grandmother spent all day retrieving water for that day’s survival. They have no chickens, no garden, and no sustainable source of income. On a good day, the children had a cup of porridge to eat; on a bad day, they had a cup of hot water. When Mercy came to live at Naomi’s Village she stayed very close to Ann. After only a short time there, she became a very “normal” 3-1/2 year old. She loves to play with the other girls, enjoys being silly, and is full of giggles.

Eliza

Eliza is a 5 yr. old precious little girl who was ready for rescue. Eliza’s mother, who is a prostitute, is currently serving a very long jail term in Kenya. Thus, Eliza lived with her grandmother, cousin Kibet, and several others in a very small mud house. Eliza’s grandmother had been arrested for severely abusing Eliza’s brother and was given an 8 yr. sentence. However, the grandmother pleaded to the judge citing her poverty and need to care for other children as a cause for her pardon. The judge relented and instead of placing this abusive woman in jail, allowed her to return home to the other children under her care. The Mendonsas are just beginning to discover the abuses Eliza suffered while living with this woman. But God has protected this precious one’s heart as she is eager and ready to receive love from others. She loves to be held and hugged and has a tender smile. It was a 4 hour drive deep into the bush to find Eliza and her cousin Kibet and remove them from their dangerous living situation.

Kibet (Daniel)

Kibet is a small 3 year old boy who suffered much abuse in his short life. Kibet’s mother is a prostitute and abandoned him to be under the care of his grandmother. Kibet lived in a very small mud hut with his grandmother, cousin Eliza, and several others. Kibet’s grandmother had been arrested for severely abusing his cousin and was given an 8 yr. sentence for intentionally burning the boy’s hand in a fire. However, the grandmother pleaded to the judge citing her poverty and need to care for other children as a cause for her pardon. The judge relented and instead of placing this abusive woman in jail, allowed her to return home to the other children under her care. The Mendonsas are just beginning to discover the abuses Kibet suffered while living with this woman. It was a 4 hour drive deep into the bush to find Kibet and his cousin Eliza and remove them from their dangerous living situation. On the drive back to Naomi’s Village, Kibet threw up in the car as though he was expelling all the suffering and pain of his previous life. He has adjusted well into life at Naomi’s Village and is learning to feel safe.

Evans

Evans is the cutest 4-month old baby boy! Evans’ father is non-existent and unknown. Evans’ mother died unexpectedly in May 2011 from an unknown disease. While his mother was still alive they lived with his grandmother in a very rural poor area. Naomi’s Village was made aware of Evans’ situation about 2 weeks after his mother died. The grandmother, who is quite old and frail, lives with another daughter and her many children. She was overwhelmed with the thought of trying to provide now for a baby and was grateful that he will grow up with love and opportunity for a better life at Naomi’s Village.

Catherine

Catherine is a beautiful, outgoing, energetic 7 yr. old girl. Catherine’s mother died unexpectedly in Dec. 2010 from pneumonia. But Catherine’s father was a good man, and he loved Catherine. She lived with her father in a little mud home not too far from her grandmother. Catherine’s father was a casual laborer and was able to provide enough for both him and Catherine. Tragically, Catherine’s father was murdered in March 2011, less than 3 months after her mother died. He was killed when trying to break up a fight between two other people. Catherine is loved by her grandmother, but as she is aged and poor, she is unable to provide for Catherine’s basic needs. She has big dreams and loves to learn. It had been Catherine’s dream to attend the private school where the Mendonsas send their school children. She actually squealed with joy when told she would be a part of the 1st grade class at this school.

Emily

Emily is a shy 9 yr. old girl who lived in a 10 ft. x 10 ft. tin room as her home. This small space was shared with a total of 11 people. Emily’s main caregiver was her very elderly great-grandmother. Both of Emily’s parents died when she was quite young. As a baby Emily was exposed to second-hand smoke from drug use that went on in the same house where she lived. As a toddler Emily was “rescued” from this situation by a cousin who made a very toxic illegal alcoholic brew that is taken often in Kenya. Unfortunately, Emily was given this illegal brew in doses large enough to cause her to pass-out for long periods of time. The great-grandmother took in Emily when she realized what was happening. Emily’s situation was one of abject poverty. She is quite thin as a result of often going without food. Her future was bleak as she needs one-on-one tutoring to help her learn. Emily has done quite well with her learning in the short time she has been at Naomi’s Village, and the Mendonsas expect that one day she will be ready to attend the local private school where they send their school children.

Chehesh

Chehesh is 3 years old. His mother is serving a 10 year prison term. There is no father that is known. He most recently lived with his grandmother, who is abusive.

Joseph

Joseph is 7 years old, and there is not much known about him. 

Esther

Esther is ten years old. She has only been to school for one term.  

Ibrahim

Ibrahim is 3-1/2 years old.

Joseph

Hannah

Willy

Mary

Quincy

Teresiah Gikuna - Social Worker. “I am a single mother of 3 children, Kelvin, Mary, & Charles, and the sole bread winner in my family.  Sometimes it is hard for me to cater to all the basic needs for the kids, especially in their education.  I am trying to save money to build up my own home so that I can bond my family together and provide friendly environment for raising up my kids.  I still desire to upgrade my skills in attending to children, especially orphans from advanced diploma level to a degree grade level.  Through combined effort in prayers & trust in God, I will once meet the desires of my heart because, “A man’s mind plans in his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”

Ruth Gikonyo - House Mother.  “I know what it feels like to grow up without a mom or dad. I want to be there for the children.”

Evaline Ouko - House Mother. “With the love of Christ I have in my heart, I know I can love these children, and they’ll know I’m there for them.”

Stephen and Naomi Mbugua - Housekeeping/Kitchen Manager and Housekeeper

Stephen: “I’m so happy to work at Naomi’s Village, and I want to cook many things for the children.”

Naomi: “I’m very glad to have a place at Naomi’s Village.”

Naomi’s Prayer Requests: 

• Wants to know English

• Because of tribal violence did not finish school

• Would like to own their own land

• If does get enough money to get land, she wants to build a house

• Three kids’ education

• Parents: would like to help them get a better job to help with needs to
sustain family

• Daughter is in 8th grade and wants her to pass tests

When Doreen gets paid, family and friends begin to ask her for money. That is a difficult thing for her, because she cannot take care of everyone along with her family. Doreen’s husband passed away after the post-election violence. He had diabetes and was not able to find insulin, which tragically led to his death. Doreen and her two sons now live in the IDP camp and are well respected in that community. Before coming to NV, Doreen ran the preschool in the IDP camp. 

David Mwangi - Groundskeeper/Cook

“Thank you to God for giving me this chance. I want to be the dad to these children that I never had.”

Esther Karanja - Administrative Assistant (serving as a volunteer)

” God has called me to be a mom for the mom-less.”

I hope you'll join us in praying for them, specifically by name.

YOGURTLAND!

Everyone loves Fro Yo, so come out and support the Kenya 2 team! 

Bring a flyer when you come and the team will receive 15% of sales from 11:00 am - 6:00 pm.

Forgot your flyer? That's okay! Just tell them you're there to support the Kenya 2 team from The Village Church.

Anyone and Everyone is welcome! We would LOVE for you to bring all your friends with you when you come to YOGURTLAND near NorthPark on Saturday, August 27th!

15% of sales will go toward team expenses for our trip to Kenya from Sept 12-24th. 

click the picture to enlarge and print

Thanks for your support!

East African Famine

As we give thanks for the rain we have received here in Texas over the last few days, I can't help but think about East Africa and the extreme drought the Horn of Africa still faces. This drought has destroyed crops and killed livestock. It has created record high food prices, internal conflicts and insecurity in the region. As families travel long distances in search of food, malnutrition and disease run rampant. As we pray for continued renewal for our land here in Texas we MUST pray for God's mercy on the Horn of Africa.

The most affected areas are northern and northeastern Kenya. Some parts of Kenya have faced two or three successive poor rain season leaving 2.4 million people in need of food aid assistance with a potential of up to 3.5 million people needing assistance in the near future.

Likewise, the drought has forced the UN to declare a state of Famine in two regions in southern Somalia, forcing tens of thousands of Somalis into Kenya's overcrowded Dadaab camps.

Somalis flee to the refugee camps of Dadaab, Kenya.
(Rebecca Blackwell/Associated Press)

An area on the outskirts of Hagadera Camp has been set aside for new arrivals at Dadaab, Kenya.
(Rebecca Blackwell/Associated Press)

Somali women and children await the distribution of food at a camp in Mogadishu, the nation's capital. Jumbo, a local organization, set up the camp for refugees fleeing southern Somalia. Thousands of people have arrived in Mogadishu over the past two weeks seeking assistance and the number is increasing by the day, officials say. (Farah Abdi Warsameh/Associated Press)

Somalis care for their young children who are being treated for malnutrition at a Doctors Without Borders clinic in Dagahaley Camp, outside Dadaab, on July 11. UN refugee chief Antonio Guterres said that drought-ridden Somalia is the "worst humanitarian disaster" in the world. He had met with refugees who endured unspeakable hardship to reach the world's largest refugee camp. (Rebecca Blackwell/Associated Press)

A malnourished child is held in her grandmother's arms at Wajir District hospital, Wajir town, Kenya, on July 6. The worst drought in the Horn of Africa has sparked a severe food crisis and high malnutrition rates, with parts of Kenya and Somalia experiencing pre-famine conditions, the United Nations has said. More than 10 million people are now affected in drought-stricken areas of Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and Uganda and the situation is deteriorating. (Sayyid Azim/Associated Press)

Please join us in prayer for the people affected by the East African Famine. Pray for the Lord's mercy on these people and their land, pray for their salvation, and pray that the Lord is glorified even through suffering. Let us not forget how incredibly blessed we are.

For more information please visit my sources here and here.

Jambo!

Welcome to the Kenya 2 team blog! We are knee-deep in preparing for our trip in September. Our goal is to communicate with you through this blog. As we learn things, whether it is information on the history or culture of Kenya, trip details, fundraisers details or prayer requests, we will post about them on the blog.

Team Members Include:
James Alanis
Julie Cosby
Joshua Friesenhahn
Anna Jones
Shane Lewis
Alyssa Coleman
Jenn Potter
Tim Smith
Matt Tonne

We would love for you to join us in prayer as we prepare for and as we are on our trip. If you have any specific questions feel free to leave a comment!

We love you!
Kenya 2 Team
Explanation of blog title: "jambo" in swahili (the main language in Kenya) means "hello"