The visit, organised in collaboration with the University’s Community Service Centre Office, offered the young mothers an opportunity to experience university life firsthand. They were taken on a guided tour around campus, exploring learning facilities and interacting with members of the Strathmore community. Their excitement was evident as they admired the environment and experienced the warmth of the institution.
When asked how she found the school and its people, the centre’s matron, Prisca Khaombi, warmly responded, “Welcoming and very good people!” One of the girls, Brenda Atieno, could not hide her admiration for the campus. “Ni kurembo sana (The place is so beautiful.),” she said happily.
During a session facilitated by members of the Community Service and Outreach Programme Office, the girls received encouragement and reassurance that their dreams remain valid despite the challenges they have faced. They were reminded that education is still within reach and that their past does not determine their future.
What makes the Kamulu rescue centre remarkable is its holistic and intentional model of care. When the girls are brought in, often referred by authorities such as the police or the courts, they are provided with medical care, counselling, and a safe environment throughout their pregnancy. They are supported through delivery in the hospital and continue receiving care as they nurse their Babies.
After the babies reach six months of age and can feed solids, the young mothers are supported in returning to school to continue from where they left off. The children remain under the care of the rescue center in a stable and nurturing environment. When the children reach school-going age, the Centre also facilitates their education. The mothers and their children stay at the home until the young women are over 18 and, in a position, to independently provide for themselves and their children.
A particularly inspiring milestone for the centre is the success of its first beneficiary. Sharing proudly, Matron Prisca Khaombi noted that their “firstborn,” Sarah, is set to graduate this August with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations (IR).
Speaking about this achievement, Prisca expressed her joy at witnessing how far Sarah has come, from rescue and restoration to university graduation. Sarah herself shared her gratitude, saying that Strathmore University has been good to her and has helped her in so many ways. Reflecting on her personal growth, she added with a smile, “Even my accent changed! My speech before was poor, but Strathmore has built up my confidence that now I can even speak in front of people.”
Her story stands as a powerful testament to resilience, community support, and the transformative impact of education.
The visit to Strathmore was more than a campus tour; it was a moment of vision and affirmation. It showed that with the right support systems, compassion, and opportunity, lives can be restored and futures rebuilt.
Article written by Natalie Irungu, BAC 3rd Year
