Friends of Ngong Road

We empower Nairobi children living in poverty to transform their lives through education and support, leading to employment.

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Quality Education Is Helping Anastacia Rise

Anastacia is a young and ambitious girl who continues to excel through our support. She joined our program at a young age, with no access to quality education. Through our help, she successfully completed her primary education and is now in high school.

Anastacia dreams of becoming an air hostess. She is especially talented in languages and currently studies French in addition to the main subjects at her school. Her passion for communication is clear.

quality education

Beyond academics, Anastacia is active in extracurricular activities. She participates in music festivals, where she dances and recites verses. Recently, her team reached the regional level, a big achievement for her and the school.

We are always proud when our students show growth. That’s why we consistently provide the support they need to thrive through quality education. As Anastacia and many others continue to rise, we are reminded of one truth, investing in young people never goes to waste.

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Braton’s Life Transformed Through the Support of Our Program

Meet Braton, a young life transformed through the support of our program. He started as a quiet child full of potential. Today, he is growing into a determined young man with even bigger dreams.

Braton’s journey from completing primary school to joining high school has been filled with strength and perseverance. And throughout it all, we’ve had the honor of walking beside him every step of the way.

Life Transformed Through the Support of Our Program

Braton dreams of becoming a lawyer. This goal shines through his love for debate. At school, he is a confident speaker and a top performer in debate competitions.But Braton’s talents don’t stop there. He is also passionate about music. He takes part in school music festivals and recently helped his team reach the regional level. His specialty being A cappella  where his voice truly stands out.

Braton’s success story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a child’s potential is met with the right support. Watching him grow has been a joy and an inspiration. As he continues to rise, we remain committed to walking alongside many more children like him nurturing dreams and transforming their lives through consistent support.

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My first month with Friends

Hi Friends,

I’m writing just a little more than one month into helping steward Friends of Ngong Road into its next chapter. Someone asked me today if it feels like I’ve been drinking from a fire hose — which in some ways, is true. But what I’ve found one month in is: although there’s been much I’ve been getting my arms around, what stands out is how this community has put its arms around me.

The top of mind example is our team in Kenya. I had a chance to spend a week with them in August both to get into the weeds on what we’re up to programmatically and to literally run through the weeds (mainly grass!) as part of Saturday program. Of all of the things I could rave about when it comes to our partners in Kenya, here’s what you need to know: their professionalism and diligence is only outdone by the genuine care and commitment they have to each other and our program. I am so grateful to call them partners and colleagues.

Back here in the States, it’s been wonderful and simply just a great time getting to know so many of our supporters. In these first thirty days I’ve met with nearly fifty of our supporters — from Santa Barbara to Chicago to the Twin Cities.

If we haven’t had a chance to meet, let’s find a time! You all are the wind in our sails; the reason we’re able to realize our mission. I’m so grateful for the nearly twenty years of support so many of you have provided, and look forward to meeting many more of you.

Looking ahead, here’s what you should expect from us:

  • As we approach our twentieth anniversary, we’re laying the foundation for the next twenty years. We’ll be reaching out to hear your perspective on how we can continue this work together.
  • We’re also entering our most critical fundraising season. Nearly two decades of transformation have been made possible by your generosity — and continued support will ensure we thrive in the years ahead. If you’ve given at year’s end before, expect to hear from me.
  • Finally, while the world feels uncertain, our commitment does not. Board and staff alike remain steadfast: change in a child’s life happens one day at a time, and you can count on us to be there daily for our students as we grow.

Let me close this post by sharing a conversation I had with one of our former students — now a Ngong Road case manager — Wence during a game of chess (Wence 2; Dan 1, by the way).

He said, “a student asked me today, ‘Who are you without your titles?’ Dan, how would you answer that same question?”

My answer was: we all carry so many titles in how we show up in the world. We all have so many ways we’d like to be seen. But at Friends of Ngong Road, it’s powerful to remember how much positive change can come from just one simple title: Friend.

In friendship,

Dan Fernelius
President, Friends of Ngong Road

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Kenya’s tribes, Cultures, and Traditions

Did you know our organization reaches children from over 20 different tribes across Kenya? Kenya is home to more than 40 communities, each with its own language, customs, beliefs, and ways of life. This cultural diversity makes Kenya not only beautiful but also rich in traditions, stories, and unique ways of living.

Some of Kenya’s Major Tribes are:

  • Kikuyu – The largest tribe, known for their business skills and important role in politics.
  • Kalenjin – Famous worldwide for producing great long-distance runners like Eliud Kipchoge, one of the best marathoners ever.
  • Maasai – One of the most well-known tribes, recognized for their colorful clothing, beadwork, and strong traditions.
  • Luhya – Living in Western Kenya, the Luhya are known for their festivals, music, and close family ties.
  • Luo – From the area near Lake Victoria, the Luo are known for their contributions to politics, education, and music.
  • Kamba – Known for their wood carving, artistry, and significant role in Kenya’s trade history.

Most people in Kenya speak their mother tongue along with Kiswahili, the national language, and English, the official language. Each tribe has special traditions like ceremonies for growing up, marriage, and honoring the dead. Music, dance, storytelling, and traditional food are important parts of daily life and celebrations in every community.

Despite differences in politics and ways of life, Kenyan tribes come together during national holidays like Madaraka Day. These events showcase Kenya’s rich heritage through cultural dances, folk songs, and community celebrations. By embracing and respecting these differences, we build a strong sense of belonging and unity.

Understanding Kenya’s tribes helps us see how culture shapes who we are, our communities, and our strength. It also deepens our respect for different worldviews and strengthens connections within Kenya and around the world.