Business update 

WIth the emergence of COVID-19 vaccines and with much of the world gradually lifting lockdown and restrictions, the Kenyan economy had started to gain traction. We were hopeful that 2021 business performance would improve, but in March 2021 a second COVID wave came and  restrictions were re-imposed. As a result, business declined in April and May as many event planners and companies canceled events.

One major trend since the onset of the pandemic in 2020 and leading into 2021 is increase of long-term rentals.  These are mostly construction  companies which have continued operating and renting loos throughout the downturn. This has enabled Karibu Loo to survive during the pandemic.    

Digital Marketing Campaign 

While business was challenging in 2020, it was critical to prepare for the future. To set ourselves up for success, we launched a digital marketing campaign to raise awareness and generate new sales. We believe once we have fully implemented this online marketing campaign, it will yield results in both the short term and the future, post COVID-19.

The campaign is being managed in Kenya with help of U.S. digital marketing volunteers. With the easing of COVID restrictions and our digital marketing campaign starting, business has begun to pick up in June with July looks promising.. 

The campaign continues using humor. Our Chief Creative Volunteer, Steve Kotvis, has developed Google Search ads like: 

“Today’s my wedding day, when I say “I do”,  don’t forget Karibu Loo”

“Count on your crew, Gotta go #1, Gotta go #2. Remove the phew, call Karibu Loo”.

We monitor response rates and poor performing ads are eliminated and replaced with new ones. 

The number of people calling and emailing to enquire about our services and pricing rates has been increasing, and sales are improving. 

Most of us want to know that our lives matter to other people, though the expression of that desire can take many forms. Duane Patterson, 1953 – 2021, made his contributions in quiet, steady ways. Duane first sponsored Derrick Macharia in 2017 when he traveled to Kenya. He enjoyed corresponding with Derrick and was hopeful Derrick’s future would be better due to the support he provided. Derrick finished high school in May 2021 and has been admitted to our post-secondary program. He is in the midst of computer training and exploring the best options for his continued education.  

Duane was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in May 2021 and passed about 10 days after the diagnosis. He left a $100,000 bequest to Friends of Ngong Road which will be invested in our endowment fund. This means that each year Duane’s gift will generate $4,000+ to support operations, in perpetuity. Thank you, Duane, for leaving a legacy aimed at improving the lives of orphans and vulnerable children in Kenya. Well done my friend. 

There are many ways you can support Friends of Ngong Road. In addition to sponsoring a student or giving an annual donation, you can also support FoNR through a gift from your retirement account, by designating FoNR as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy or including  FoNR in your estate plan, like Duane did. If you’d like to learn more, please contact Anne-Marie Hendrickson by email or phone (612-568-4291).

Shout out to our 2020 graduates. This year we had 17 students graduate from primary school to high school. We had 25 students graduate from secondary to post-secondary.

A ‘handover’ ceremony involving students, parents, and NRCF staff took place on May 28. This ceremony celebrates student achievement and orientates the students to the next level of education.

The primary school ceremony includes a highlight of expected changes in high school since primary life is usually different as primary school students are usually enrolled in day schools while high school students are in boarding schools. Students are also coached on handling negative peer influence which is common in high school. The students are required to sign the secondary commitment agreement which defines the expectations of both the parents and students to continue being supported in their education.

The secondary graduation ceremony included a highlight of the post-secondary education requirements and expectations. At this level students are required to take initiative for their education and career goals. Students are advised on the scholarship opportunities for various levels of education (Certificate, Diploma and Degree options) based on their performance on their KCSE (Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education) exam. The staff educates graduates on the importance of a post-secondary education as it increases their chances of getting meaningful employment in Kenya. The students are required to sign a post-secondary contract and code of conduct if they wish to continue with their education.

Over the past year, more than 20 students have lost their sponsors. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the economic impact of COVID 19. The students are continuing their education, but are in need of a new sponsor.

This is Leon’s story.

Leon is 16 years old attending Karima High School, a boys-only boarding secondary school which is one of the best national schools. He has been in the program for eight years and his sponsor recently needed to discontinue support.  His sponsor’s support helped him get to this level of education and gain leadership skills through the Life Skills program, summer camp, and the Saturday program. He was a student leader in the primary department and also a squad leader during the 2019 summer camp. Leon has become assertive and gained self-confidence through these leadership roles.

Leon lives with his grandmother and two aunts. The grandmother makes beaded items, sews sweaters, crotchets tablecloths for an income. She also works as a Community Health Volunteer.

Leon’s family lives in a two-roomed house in Ngando slums. The house is made of old rusty iron sheets. Unlike most families in the slum, Leon’s home has electricity so he can study comfortably during school break. They buy water for domestic use from a nearby vendor. Leon sleeps on a bed. The family uses charcoal or kerosene stove to cook their meals as they are the most affordable. They share a bathroom and pit latrine with their neighbors.

Leon is an intelligent, focused, and hardworking student. He performs well academically and is usually among the top-performing students in his class. He would like to become a pilot in the future. He is outgoing, confident, and self-driven. 

Sponsors discontinue support for a variety of reasons. We have committed to supporting students who enter our program until they finish their education. So when they lose a sponsor it’s important for us to find a new sponsor. If you already sponsor a student, would you consider sponsoring another one whose sponsor left? We are fortunate that someone has stepped up to sponsor Leon. But there are many other waiting students like him who need your help to ensure they can continue their studies and achieve their dreams. Explore all the waiting students here.