Maranatha Volunteers International’s work at the Kimogoro Adventist Boarding Primary School in Bomet County, Kenya, is showing incredible results. Since breaking ground on the campus renovation and expansion project in February 2023, Maranatha’s local construction crews and volunteer groups have completed several key structures. Two classrooms, a kitchen and dining hall, girls and boys dormitories, a large church building, and three bathroom blocks now stand as a far cry from the rickety shacks they replaced. Maranatha has also installed a well and submersible pump, which supply the campus with clean water.
“We still need more classrooms,” said Anu Kedas, Maranatha’s country director for Kenya. “But at least they have something that they can use, and be thankful that things are changing for them.”
Before Maranatha got involved, the scene at Kimogoro was dismal. “When I first came to Kimogoro to see the school, I saw the students sitting on the grass and eating food,” recalled Kedas. “I saw their classrooms; they didn’t have proper desks or chairs … the classrooms had holes in them. There were three or four girls sleeping in one bed. The boys were under the same condition. My heart went out to them … they deserve better. They deserve something better in life.”
Prior to Maranatha’s involvement, Kimogoro served 150 students. After Maranatha began renovations in 2023, the school’s enrollment jumped to 230. This year, the school welcomed 384 students and employs 22 teachers and staff members. This growth may be partly attributed to Maranatha’s investment. Kimogoro’s new buildings are unmatched by those of any other schools in the area and drawing widespread attention. But the school also attracts students with a well-earned reputation for discipline and quality academics.
Kimogoro’s metamorphosis is not yet complete. Maranatha is currently constructing three more classrooms for the school, and is seeking funds to add six additional classrooms, an administrative block, and landscaping.
Since 2016, Maranatha has responded to numerous requests from the Adventist Church in Kenya for improved infrastructure. Volunteer teams and our in-country crews have built One-Day Churches, schools, and drilled water wells. More than 1,500 structures have been completed so far.