The long-term relationship that exists between our Kenyan and American board members started as church-sponsored partnerships focusing on school scholarships and health initiatives in 2002. We discovered that, together, we are a potent force for change. Our American members came to know the Kenyan people and culture over seven visits to the Chuka region of Kenya spanning over 15 years. Staying in Kenyan homes, our American members not only were recipients of tremendous hospitality but also came to be regarded as family members.
As an outgrowth of these past partnerships and forming years of connections and trust between Kenyans and Americans, research was conducted with a cross-section of 120 Kenyans that showed tremendous need for higher education. Candid interviews revealed again and again that Kenyan families desired more than anything for their children to have a higher education.
Rev. Mwamba is the Head of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa which includes Kenya, Tanzania, and Somalia. The PCEA historically and currently has tremendous influence in the region and has led the way in education and health care for all in need. Many of the boarding schools and hospitals are affiliated with the PCEA. Rev. Mwamba possesses a large sphere of influence and a reputation for positive, effective leadership.
Rev. Riungu is a PCEA pastor who has effectively led and built large congregations in the area. He was identified early in his ministry as an “up and coming pastor” and assumed responsibility for schools, churches and building programs. Samuel directed PCEA conservation and natural resource initiatives and continues to be focused on healthcare and education.
Emily is an Educator who has taught and administered in various schools. Presently she is employed by the government in establishing and overseeing institutes for vocational education and training. With limited funding and little in the way of technical resources, she has established vocational education and training institutes, mostly around Nairobi environs. Emily’s knowledge regarding federal education requirements, certification and societal norms and expectations has eased and facilitated our way forward.
Linda is a Presbyterian minister having served congregations in California and Maryland. As a Pastor in Maryland she felt led to respond to a request from Kenyan Presbyterians to establish a mutually beneficial partnership which developed over 17 years,and brought her into trusting, long term relationships with Kenyan friends. Linda punctuates her devotion to this project in this way: “The beautiful people of Kenya possess life-giving qualities needed in the global community, and in aiding them in developing uniquely Kenyan higher education we all benefit.
Steve has over 30 years experience developing and working with American organizations, predominantly in the non-profit sector. In the capacities of both senior leader and consultant he has provided guidance and facilitation to organizations in the areas of management development, human resources, policy development and planning. Steve has been active throughout his career in local communities and has served on boards of organizations such as the United Way, and county-level Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
John has many years of experience managing custom building projects including those on the East and West coasts of the United States and in Kenya. In his three visits to Kenya John developed trusted relationships with local builders and architects and contributed the design, plans and technical collaboration in the construction of a village church a few years back. John believes that both western and African building techniques have a lot to contribute in providing safe and effective structures for Kenya in the future.
Kuli Mundi is a seasoned corporate leader with over 25 years of experience. In the course of her career, she has built, led and managed geographically dispersed teams to deliver technology solutions for businesses. She is passionate about the strength and empowerment that comes with creating environments which foster diversity, equity, inclusion (DE&I) while recognizing individual abilities. She is equally passionate about education as the path forward and a doorway to endless opportunities. Kuli has served as a Board Director for various non-profit organizations and as a deacon for her church. She enjoys volunteering in her community.