Our nyendo student companies have long been collecting money for a possible hub in the Kangemi slum – a place that could not only serve as accommodation for our students during visits, but would also be open to other volunteers. It could also host events, seminars and educational programs for the local community.
When four nyendo students from Prien visited Kangemi in April, this idea came to life again. In an inspiring brainstorming session, the desire to invest in a piece of land was born – a complete purchase is currently not financially feasible, but a long-term lease seems realistic and opens up new perspectives.
The idea that Bethel School could also find a permanent home on this site is particularly appealing. As Principal of the Hub, Immaculate would accompany the project, look after it and fill it with life.
On May 15, we met with several local landowners to view suitable areas for the project. Two neighboring plots in a good location right next to the Bethel Community Education Centre were identified as suitable, and the owners were open to a long-term lease on fair, negotiated terms.
In addition to these two plots, we have been offered another neighboring plot on the same site for sale – at a price of around Ksh 10 million (approx. € 70,000), and with the aim of negotiating this down to Ksh 9 million (approx. € 63,000). A concrete proposal for a combined lease-purchase model has now been submitted for precisely this plot of land: Nyendo would initially lease for three years – with a contractual right of first refusal at today’s price. Any lease payments already made would be fully credited in the event of a later purchase.
This means that if we collectively manage to raise around €40,000 over the next three years through fundraising campaigns, the land could become Nyendo’s property permanently – a big step towards Nyendo having its own independent hub in Kangemi.
All in all, this meeting was a promising start. Now it is up to all of us to carry this vision forward – together with our student companies, supporters and partners.
