Empowering Youth: Alfred’s Journey with Entepesi Kenya

In the quiet village of Kimana, nestled against the breathtaking backdrop of Kajiado County, Kenya, an 18-year-old named Alfred Muuo stands out as an inspiration to his peers. But life here isn’t all sunsets and savannahs. “Being young in a community where drug and substance abuse is rampant and early marriages are common isn’t easy,” Alfred admits. “It’s a daily battle to stay on the right path.”

For many youths in Kimana, these challenges feel insurmountable, but Alfred’s story is one of transformation, thanks to Entepesi Kenya (EK). This remarkable NGO has been tirelessly working to uplift communities like Alfred’s, offering programs that don’t just change lives—they save them.

Alfred’s turning point came when he attended one of EK’s youth training programs. “Before the training, I didn’t think much about my future. I didn’t believe I could achieve anything big,” he shares. However, the sessions, which focused on self-esteem, positive attitudes, and envisioning a brighter future, sparked a change.

“I learned how to boost my self-esteem,” Alfred says with a smile. “Now, I see myself as someone who can make a difference—not just for me, but for others too.” His newfound confidence radiates in the way he carries himself, and his determination is inspiring.

Alfred says he isn’t keeping this treasure trove of knowledge to himself. He will become a vocal advocate for EK’s training programs, encouraging his friends and peers to join. “I will tell them, to attend these sessions! Be attentive and share what they learn. It’s like planting seeds of hope—you never know how far they’ll grow.” says Alfred.

When asked what more he’d like EK to do, Alfred doesn’t hesitate. “We need sex education and career guidance,” he says passionately. “Our community needs to understand the importance of focusing on their future instead of falling into bad habits.”

Alfred dreams of a Kimana where young people are empowered to pursue their goals, free from the shackles of early marriages and substance abuse.

To Entepesi Kenya and its supporters, Alfred has one heartfelt message: “Thank you for believing in us. Please continue with these programs—they’re changing lives.”

Alfred’s story is just one of many. EK’s programs are a cornerstone for youths in underserved areas, offering them tools to overcome their challenges and dream bigger. But the work isn’t done.

By partnering with EK, you’re not just supporting a cause—you’re transforming lives, shaping futures, and building stronger communities. Join us in making a difference today, and let’s ensure every young person like Alfred has the chance to shine.

Together, we can write many more success stories. Will you be part of the next chapter?

A Heart for Health: Mercy’s Mission in Kajiado

Mercy Sanaipei, a 28-year-old nutritionist from Kikelelwa village in Kajiado South, is transforming lives in her community through her passion for health education. Inspired by the struggles of her neighbors, she stepped up as a Community Health Promoter (CHP) over a year ago, making a lasting impact.

“Health is not just about curing diseases; it’s about prevention and education,” Mercy shares. “Helping people live healthier lives is my calling.”

Her days are dedicated to creating health awareness and ensuring that her community has access to vital health knowledge. After leading health education sessions, she visits the local health facility—staffed by only one nurse—to support patients. Leveraging her expertise as a nutritionist, she volunteers to provide essential health education, easing the strain on the overburdened healthcare system.

Mercy’s journey has partly been supported by Entepesi Kenya (EK), an NGO working to improve health and education in underserved areas of Kajiado County. In collaboration with the Kajiado Ministry of Health, EK trained Mercy and 10 other CHPs to conduct monthly hypertension screenings and awareness sessions. Equipped with flipcharts and blood pressure monitors, Mercy brings life-saving health services directly to her neighbors.

“Thanks to this program, I can help my community learn and screen for high blood pressure without traveling far,” she says. “But we need more support—diabetes training, screening machines, and medicines would make such a difference.”

Mercy faces significant challenges. The local health facility often lacks medicines and doctors, leaving many patients to seek care miles away. Yet, her determination never wavers. Her commitment to her community embodies resilience and hope.

Through Mercy’s dedication and the support of organizations like Entepesi Kenya, remote communities are finding pathways to better health. But the journey is far from over. To help Entepesi Kenya expand its reach and improve healthcare access in remote areas, consider joining their mission. Together, we can bring quality healthcare closer to those who need it most.

Margret’s journey began when she was diagnosed with hypertension (HTN) at Loitokitok Hospital. At the time, the Kikelelwa dispensary didn’t have the necessary equipment to detect or manage her condition. With no other options, Margret had to travel over 15 kilometers, two to three times a week, to Loitokitok for medication and blood pressure tests. Her situation worsened when she was later diagnosed with arthritis and diabetes, but the dispensary still couldn’t provide the care she needed due to a lack of equipment and medicine. Painful arthritis made the long journey to Loitokitok even harder, and she often had to take a motorcycle (boda boda) just to get there.

Entepesi Kenya and Brazilian Group Collaboration Unveiled!

From October 25 to November 1st, a total of 7 Staff and Students from the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil traveled to Kenya to work with Entepesi Kenya (EK).  This team consisted of speech pathologists, ears, nose, and throat (ENT) doctors, dentists, and a medical surgeon. EK was very excited to collaborate with this group and the local ministry of health to serve the communities of Loitokitok, Nkama, Kilkelewa, and Enterara. 

Through a series of 5 work days, the two dentists, Letycia & Nailson, were able to clean, examine, and treat dental cavities for 92 patients. Each patient received a personal toothbrush to take home and some floss to take good care of their teeth. With the value of prevention education, each patient was directed on how to have good oral hygiene for the prevention of other dental illnesses.

The two doctors were also quite busy with this trip. Dr. Sergio and Dr. Marcos evaluated and served 151 ENT patients, 29 medical patients, and 2 surgeries were assisted at Loitokitok Hospital. Every patient was given time and care people desire when seeing a doctor for illness. These patients received treatments when able and were given directions on where they could seek further assistance within Kenya. 

Good news! A woman shared with a nurse at Loitokitok Hospital her story of impacted change because of the work this group had come to do. Her mother had been having trouble hearing for many years. So long that she never owned a phone due to the inability of being able to hear well. After visiting Dr. Sergio and receiving treatment, she was now able to hear again. The daughter was so excited she bought a phone immediately to be able to call her mom whenever she wanted!

The three speech pathologists, Magali, Leticia, and Giovanni, did an amazing job screening 103 men, women, and children for hearing loss. They were able to give referrals for people with profound hearing loss to get further testing and treatments. Many of these people did not know how to get the assistance they needed until they attended EK outreaches. 

Entepesi Kenya values health education, and we were blown away at the amount of knowledge this group brought to the communities. A total of 233 community members received information about hearing loss and stroke prevention, and an additional 25 people were trained on how to perform CPR. Both the local health staff and communities were grateful for this opportunity to learn and help them identify serious health issues for loved ones or neighbors. 

#didyouknow that 1.4% of blindness is caused by Trachoma?

We are glad that EK was able to join the Ministry of Health for mass treatment of Trachoma in Kajiado County to both treat the positive cases, but also to stop the quick spread. 

Trachoma is a highly contagious eye infection that causes small sores on the inside of the eyelid. Repeat infections will leave scars and a deformity in the eyelid, which then starts to damage the lens of the eye; leading to blindness. 

This bacteria can be passed through dust, flies, and by touch. It is important to have a clean face and hands while making sure your home is clean, far from animal pens (to reduce flies), and you go for treatment when symptoms arise.

The WHO recommends that the percentage of positive cases in an area should be less than 5%, but last year the rate went as high as 10.71% of children ages 1-9 years in Kajiado County. Because of this outbreak, the WHO provided medication for mass treatment in Kajiado County to both treat the positive cases, but also to stop the quick spread. 

This mass treatment is taking place in three parts. 

1. December 2021 a 7-day push for treatments of all people living in Kajiado County.
2. August 2022 a second 7-day push to treat all people living in Kajiado County.
3. Spring of 2023 a third 7-day push to treat all people living in Kajiado County.

Entepesi Kenya was able to assist in the second 7-day push to provide treatments to men, women, and children and support the teams administering the medication. For three days, EK assisted in the Kimana Ward. We were able to walk door to door educating people about trachoma, handing out medication to 580 adults & children, delivering medical supplies to teams far from town, and providing support to the Kimana Health Center.

The overall goal for the Kimana Ward was to serve 18,575 adults & children. During this campaign, they succeeded in reaching 76% of their target which was a total of 14,100 adults and children. 

EK is proud to serve the community, and for the partnership with the Ministry of Health.

Entepesi Kenya Trains 3 Schools in Mental Health Awareness!

Entepesi Kenya in partnership with Lala Salama, a non-profit organization based in the Netherlands, provided Mental Health awareness to three primary schools in Makueni County, Kenya. 

May was a mental health awareness month. Statistics show that only 1 in 10 people suffers from a common mental disorder; depression and anxiety are the most common (Ministry of Health, Kenya).

Data from the World Bank puts suicide mortality rates in Kenya at 6.1 people in every 100,000, with men being in the highest risk category, with 9.1 men in every 100,000 affected. Globally, 703 000 people take their own life every year, with the WHO stating that suicide was the fourth leading cause of death among 15- to 29-year-olds in 2019. (Global Development)

Lala Salama provides porridge to Kongo, Kathiani, and Mbukoni Primary Schools. When they were visiting the schools, they invited us to come alongside to provide important health-related education to the staff and children at these schools!

With a population of over 250 at each school, EK taught 559 students (from classes 4-8) and staff about the importance of taking care of our minds and mental health. As an introduction to mental health, we focused on the basics to understand what mental health is and how to have a healthy mind. We encouraged the staff and students to be open about how they feel with someone they trust like a parent, teacher, or pastor. 

This is a major step forward in helping spread the importance of Mental Health! 

To partner with Entepesi Kenya visit our website: Www.entepesikenya.org/partner-with-us