PERSEVERANCE PAYS OFF - CHRISTMAS PARTY IN NAKURU

 

Today, we had the joy of celebrating Christmas with our Nakuru family. The kids had an incredible time, even though we couldn’t spend as much time as we had hoped. By the time we arrived—just before 2 p.m.—the kids had already enjoyed their delicious meal. I can vouch for how good it was because the meal we had afterward was exceptional.

We had planned to leave Kijabe at 9 a.m. and reach Nakuru by 11 a.m., but our plans were derailed by the worst traffic I’ve ever seen on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway. Lydia, who lives in Uplands near Kimende, couldn’t even access Kijabe via the main road and had to take a bike along the back paths to reach us. (continued below)

The highway traffic had been at a standstill all morning, and the alternative Mai Mahiu route was in terrible condition due to last night’s heavy rains. Despite the challenges, we were determined not to miss the celebration, so we chose the Mai Mahiu route.

It wasn’t smooth sailing there either. Vehicles got stuck in the muddy patches, causing more delays. Thankfully, a group of young men stepped in to push cars through—for a small fee. Their help was invaluable, but it meant we arrived in Nakuru much later than planned.

Despite the late start, we’re grateful for the time we had with the kids. They entertained us with songs, poems, dances, and memory verses. Local guests joined us, sharing words of encouragement with the kids, staff, and caregivers. Board members also had a moment to speak. As is tradition, we celebrated with cakes and sodas. December babies, including Blasto and me, had the honor of cutting the cake.

The event ended on a high note with caregivers receiving food bags as a gesture of appreciation, and many of them gave heartfelt votes of thanks.

We left Nakuru at 5:45 p.m., and though the traffic was just as bad as in the morning, it was at least moving—slowly. We finally made it home at 11:15 p.m., and I wanted to share this update with you before turning in.

The kids, staff, and caregivers send their deepest gratitude to everyone who made this celebration possible.

ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL!

In May, heavy rains caused flooding and devastation in Kijabe, damaging our fence. While initially focused on the widespread destruction, we later examined erosion in the ravine behind our buildings. Experts advised building a retaining wall to protect the foundation from future floods.

In August, with the generous financial support of several friends of Little Lambs, construction began. We were notified a few weeks ago that the wall is complete, and our buildings are protected as we enter another rainy season.

Check out the pictures of this labor-intensive project, and thank you for supporting Shepherd’s Little Lambs!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM SHEPHERD'S LITTLE LAMBS

Dear Friend of Shepherd’s Little Lambs,

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to you for your unwavering support and generosity. Your contributions have brought hope, education, and sustenance to the lives of many, reminding them of their worth in Christ’s eyes.

May God richly bless you for your kindness and care.

With gratitude,
Shepherd’s Little Lambs

MEET THE TEAM TUESDAY - LYDIA

Lydia Wangari Githinji was born on August 2, 1972, in Kijabe, Kiambu County, as the first of six children to Reuben Karobia and Ruth Njeri. In 1976, her family moved to Mai Mahiu, where her father owned land. She attended Kijabe Primary School, walking from Mai Mahiu daily due to its superior academic performance and her mother’s role as a preschool teacher nearby. She completed her primary education in 1986 and proceeded to Uthiru High School, graduating in 1990.

In 1991, Lydia began working as a casual laborer at Kijabe Printing Press. The following year, she was employed at Kijabe Medical Center, where she met her future husband, John Githinji, a colleague. While working, she pursued professional computing and data processing at Universal Group of Colleges, completing her studies in 1994. Lydia and John married that same year and were blessed with two children, Peris Munga and Samuel Murugi. She is also a grandmother to Ayana Wambui.

From 1995 to 1999, Lydia worked as a secretary at Kijabe School of Nursing, an affiliate of Kijabe Hospital. She later joined Aberdare Creameries in Kikuyu until the company closed in 2001. Following this, she opened a computer bureau offering photocopying and printing services, which she ran until 2009. After her husband was tragically killed in a robbery, she took up a position as an administrative secretary at AIC Kijabe to support her family.

In 2015, Lydia joined the Executive National Board of Little Lambs, later being elected chairperson, a role she still holds. During her time at Kijabe School of Nursing, she also earned a diploma in Personnel and Human Resource Management and Private Secretarial Duties.

MEET THE TEAM TUESDAY - JECINTA KIAGO

Jecinta Waithira Kiago was born on November 7, 1979, to the late Peter Kiago and Jane Kabura, the fourth of seven children in Kamwaura, Nakuru County.

In 1987, Jecinta enrolled at Arimi Primary School in Nakuru, completing her Kenya Certificate of Primary Education exams in 1995. She spent an additional year in primary school, repeating grade eight. In 1996, she joined Machinda Secondary School and sat for her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education exam in 1999. Due to financial constraints, she could not immediately pursue tertiary education and instead took on casual jobs on farms.

During this period of casual work, Jecinta met Aaron Kamau. They married in 2003 and were blessed with a son, Simon Kinuthia, now 20 years old. However, after five years of marriage, Jecinta separated from her husband upon discovering he had other wives.

Determined to improve her life, Jecinta sought vocational training and enrolled at Nakuru East College, where she earned a certificate in Early Childhood Development Education, graduating in 2010. She began her teaching career the same year at Vio Kim Kindergarten School, where she worked for two years before accepting a better offer at Race Track Junior Academy. After two years at Race Track, Jecinta learned of an opening for a certified teacher at Little Lambs Nakuru. She applied, was shortlisted for an interview, and was ultimately selected as the best candidate for the position. She continues to serve as a teacher at Little Lambs Nakuru to this day.

MEET THE TEAM TUESDAY - GIDEON MUSAU MUENI

Gideon Musau Mueni was born on November 11, 1993, to Emily Mueni as the firstborn in a family of two children in Maingi, Kiambu County.

He began his education at Kiambogo Primary School in 2000 but transferred to King’atua Primary School in 2002, where he had to restart from grade one. He completed his Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) in 2010 and then proceeded to Kiambogo Secondary School, where he obtained his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) in 2014.

In 2015, Gideon enrolled in a driving school and earned his driving license within a few months, aiming to find a driving job. Due to a scarcity of opportunities, he decided to pursue a career in auto mechanics. In 2016, he attended Kamirithu Polytechnic and earned a Grade 3 certificate in Auto Mechanics within a year. After graduation, he worked as a casual assistant truck driver in Naivasha for two years, but the irregularity of the job led him to return to Maingi.

Upon returning home, Gideon worked as a fruit vendor in the Kijabe and Maingi areas. In 2020, he secured a temporary position as a night security guard at Kijabe Station Management, where he worked for eight months. He returned to fruit vending but later approached Little Lambs, expressing his interest in a night guard position. Although there were no openings at the time, he left his contact details for future consideration.

During his time as a fruit vendor, Gideon met Priscilla Wambui. They dated until early 2022, when they married. The couple has been blessed with a daughter, Emily Mueni, who is now one year old.

In mid-2022, a night guard position became available at GP, and Gideon was contacted. He agreed to work on a trial basis and performed well. Within three months, he was officially added to the GP staff as a night security guard, a position he currently holds.