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How did we get our start... in November 2004 a small group of travelers that had only met once before their visit to Kenya collectively made the decision to do more than just offer the shillings in their pockets.

Many of the members of the group were well traveled and this particular journey was hosted by the Cincinnati Zoo Travel Program. The small group of twelve had the opportunity much like most of Kenya's visitors on a safari to visit a few of the rural villages and schools. Six of the twelve heard the genuine request to help younger less fortunate children to stay safe and in school.

The original founders, Vickie Brown, Mike Frank, Mary Lee Mueller, Jamey Ponte, Sandra Sayers and Ron Statz, agreed that is certainly a worhty investment and it is clear that this is a need not just a want. After investigating and researching the best way to go about making such a commitment and accepting the responsibility of assiting these young boys and girls lives, they came up with a specific program named the Kids in Kenya Fund.

The Kids in Kenya Fund made the announcement on the 13th of January 2005 to the Sekenani's Primary school's deputy head master, Evans Nyachoi that the new Fund would start by sponsoring two young girls for the balance of their education. Josephine Sempeyo Kuluo was in grade 8 and Christine Malaso Pesi in grade 7. These two girls were just the beginning. The Kids in Kenya Fund operates under the umbrella of the Child Wellness Fund an Ohio nonprofit (Federal ID: 04-3669279) that operates/manages nearly twenty programs that provide services for children and families.

The Kids in Kenya Fund while small, has grown to become a well respected effort with support throughout the Unites States and around the globe. The founding U.S. Committee has been joined by its official founding Kenyan Committee Members: Evans Nyachoi and Jared Ngare. The Fund became a registered Republic of Kenya nonprofit (NGO) in late 2005.

By the start of 2006 more than seventeen additional Kenyan boys and girls were supported through the Kids in Kenya Fund thanks primarily to individuals, organizations and corporate donors.

Starting in 2008 the current Committee Members include: Vickie Brown, Mike Frank, Amy Hufnal, Mary Lee Mueller, Jamey Ponte, Sandra Sayers and Ron Statz in the United States as well as Evans Nyachoi, Jared Ngare, Joseph Nyaribo, Lonkisa Nampaso, Pastor Stanley Ole Enko, Mrs. Ann Nyokabi, Jairus Momanyi, Doris Nyanchama, Cynthia Nyangweso, Jemmima Nyamiaka representing the Kenyan Committee.

Our first large Kids in Kenya Summit was held in February 2007 in Narok and throughout rural Kenya where literally hundreds showed up at each of our town hall meetings. It was an excellent opportunity to confirm that we are doing what is needed in the rural areas of Kenya. We were able to set goals and plan future projects and dream about some big ideas. Learn more about the Kids in Kenya Summits.

As many of you know 2008 has had a rough start for all Kenyans. Our program and the children and villages we serve have certainly not been spared. We know this is going to be a tough year due to the post election violence. and the lack of tourism certainly to follow. We had many of our dedicated Kenyan committee members affected but we are happy to report at this time we have made contact with everyone but one child which we feel is safe but contact is still being sought. Due to the conditions throughout Kenya we have cancelled the 2008 Summit and we are very sorry to share that a second planned trip in June has been postponed as well. We can do more work here at home raising funds than we could there during such a crisis and there is no reason to put anyone at risk. We will update our group travel plans as conditions settle. As of February 15th kids are starting to make it back to the schools. We hope if things continue to be calm all kids will be back in school by the end of February.

We encourage any individual, organization or business that has interest in our efforts to please contact us. The program has been built upon collaborations and we believe there is room for many more organizations to have ownership in the effort.