Wasya Wa Mukamba - July 2021 Edition

n Thursday 15th April 2021, when the
Education Cabinet Secretary George
Magoha announced the 2020 KCPE results,
the news was received with much jubilation
by the family of Paul Mumo. His daughter,
Faith Kawee Mumo was declared the top
student in the country with a score of 433
out of 500 marks. Faith will be joining the
Kenya High School in August and dreams of
becoming a neurosurgeon. She also has a
keen interest in journalism and looks up to
Lillian Muli, a renowned news anchor in
Kenya.
Faith is the second born in a family of four children. Her siblings Alphonse,
Gabriel, and Achillas stand tall on account of their sister’s exemplary performance
although they are equally good students. Their parents, Paul and Flora Mumo are
proud parents to the four academically gifted children.
Faith was born at St. Mary’s Hospital Nairobi on 2nd September 2006. She started
school in Nairobi then joined KARI-Mwailu Primary School in Makueni as a
boarding student in class 3. According to Faith, KARI-Mwailu Day and Boarding
Primary School is a beacon of excellence as it upholds a high level of discipline
and hard work.
"It's a good school where there is a conducive environment for learning and loving
teachers to guide us since we are young children," she says.
Faith proudly speaks of her favorite teacher Mrs. Kinyua who mentored her.
Studying at this school taught her about the values of self-reliance, honesty,
determination, and hard work.
Life turned sour for her family when her father lost his job. They moved from
Nairobi to their rural home, in Malaa, Machakos County. Having to deal with
unpaid school fees, limited shopping, and almost zero pocket money whenever
she went back to school was very tough for her. However, this did not make her
lose hope since she was a very determined student. She took it positively and
opted to work hard with a determination to get her parents out of that situation
someday. She stood out among the students despite her challenges and never let
her challenges define her.
Faith says her parents were her biggest pillars. They encouraged her and taught
her to depend on God and uplift her spiritual life. “My parents taught me moral
values and without them, I couldn’t have come this far,” she proudly points out.
WASYA WA MUKAMBA
W a D i a s p o r a
TOP 2020 KCPE
STUDENT
FAITHKAWEE
MUMO
In This Issue:
Faith Kawee Mumo - Page 1
O
Message From Mbaitu Foundation
Founders - Page 2
African Brotherhood Church - Page 4
News Brief - Page 7
Dr. Naomi Makau (A career
Educationist) - Page 3
J U L Y 2 0 2 1 V O L 1 , I S S U E 0 2
The Kamba Culture - Page 8
Bright Girls Alliance Program -
Page 5
P A G E 1
“My parents taught me moral values and
without them, I couldn’t have come this
far.
Paul Mumo was born at Kanguu village in
Kitui County. He moved to Nairobi in 1996
to do jua kali jobs. He later joined college
and studied accounting up to CPA Section
4. This opened doors for him in the
accounting profession and he got a job at
Super Loaf Bakery and later joined Kenya
Horticultural Exporters (KHE) as an
accountant. He lost his job at KHE and this
led him to start working as a freelance
accountant to support his family. He was
very confident about Faith’s performance.
Although he did not expect his daughter
to be the top student, he was sure that she
would excel.
Flora Mumo is the proud mother to an only
daughter. She was overjoyed when Faith
emerged the top student in the country
and attributes her daughter's success to
the grace of God. “Mothers should ensure
that their children have the correct
spiritual guidance through their life,” she
notes.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>>
Faith Kawee mumo
From left: Paul Mumo, Archbishop
Ndambuki, Faith Mumo and Flora
Mumo
Angel Katusia (A champion for
maternal health) - Page 6

P A G E 2
lease join us in congratulating Miss Faith Kawee Mumo for emerging
the top student in the Kenya Certificate of Education (KCPE) 2020.
Faith’s brilliant performance has put Makueni County academics back
on the map. We at the Mbaitu Foundation are ecstatic of her amazing
accomplishment. She is not only a source of inspiration to students in
Ukambani, but scholars, especially young girls, across the country.
The 2020 national examinations were done under the most
challenging circumstances in living memory owing to the COVID-19
pandemic. Learning was disrupted, schools closed and children sent
home for most of the year. While students in private urban schools
were fortunate to continue learning virtually, the majority in public
rural schools, like Faith, were grossly disadvantaged with zero access
to tutors, online classes, computers, smart phones or Internet
connection.
Despite this, Faith who attended KARI-Mwailu Primary School, a public
school in Makueni County, beat all odds when she topped the national
examinations with an astounding score of 433 out of 500. Faith’s
determination to excel by sheer grit and hard work ensured that she
will now be attending the school of her dreams and top girls school in
the land - Kenya High School.
Advancing education in Ukambani is central to Mbaitu Foundations
four pillars. It is the key to eradicating poverty in Ukambani. Through
our programs, such as the Bright Girls Alliance Program (BGAP) and
post graduate scholarships program, the foundation is deeply
committed to providing a supportive learning environment for
academically gifted girls to achieve their fullest academic potential.
We do this by identifying talented and academically gifted students at
primary, secondary and university levels and supporting them through
tutoring and mentoring programs as they progress through the
education system.
We are also in advanced discussions with various stakeholders including
Makueni County’s Education department, the Africa Brotherhood
Church (ABC), and leading academicians from Ukambani to design
sustainable programs that will significantly increase the number of
scholars from Kitui, Machakos and Makueni entering national schools
and universities for undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
As we celebrate Faith’s excellent performance, we call on the Kamba
Nation to join forces with our county governments to invest significantly
more resources into the education, training and skills development of
our people. This is the only sure way out of poverty and prosperity for
future generations. For this to be realized, its critical for our children
have access to world class education including qualified teachers, well-
equipped schools and high-quality learning materials.
Well done, Faith. You have done us proud. We wish you every success
the next phase of your amazing life.
We invite you to share ideas on how we can come together to elevate
the level of education in our three counties of Kitui, Machakos and
Makueni. We look forward to your views and feedback through our
social media platforms including Facebook or write to:
info@mbaitufoundation.org
– Elder Charles Muoki Kasing’a
Paul and Flora Mumo urge other parents
to be vigilant and close to their children.
This way their children will feel loved and
free to express any challenges they may be
facing. They are very supportive of her
choice and desire to become a
neurosurgeon and in case she changes her
mind along the way, they will stand by her
side. "I advise all fathers to develop a close
relationship with their children instead of
absconding their duties." says Paul.
They wish Faith all the best as she joins Kenya High School and pursues her dream of becoming
a neurosurgeon. Her brothers look up to her and speak so highly of their sister. Despite some
sibling rivalry, they are very protective of their only sister. Gabriel, the third born in the family
says he wants to break the record set by Faith in their family and is working hard to make his
mark. Alphonse who is in Form 2 at Siakago High School is a proud big brother and wishes
Faith a fruitful future. Achillas, the youngest in the family has also promised to confront any
barriers he may face as he pursues his education. The determination to excel in these children
is a clear indication of a well-grounded upbringing.
Faith was active in co-curricular activities. She played volleyball and also joined music festivals
as a soloist. This taught her to overcome crowd phobia and gain the confidence to be a leader.
She states that since she joined the school, she has always been a leader and in her final year in
school, she became the school president which further boosted her eloquence. In her free time
she enjoys listening to music and playing volleyball with her brothers at home.
Faith’s best friend is Ruth Nzangi who scored 397 marks in her KCPE exams from the same
school. “She is a friend who learns from her mistakes, calls you out when you are wrong, and
guides you to correct your mistakes," Nzangi says. Their neighbors laud her discipline and hard
work. They were so happy and joined the Mumo family in celebrating their daughter.
“I’d like to meet Lupita Nyong’o
and Barack Obama. If only I
could get an opportunity to
shake their hands and tap those
blessings from them, I would be
so happy.” Faith makes a wish.
Faith’s father who is currently
unemployed asks anyone out
there who may need an
accountant to consider him for a
job opportunity to be able to
support his family and more so
his children’s education.
The family of Paul Mumo
appreciates Mbaitu Foundation
for the support they have given
them and urges other Kamba
people across the world to give
back to the Kamba community
and uplift others.
MESSAGE FROM MBAITU FOUNDATION FOUNDERS
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 >>>
As we celebrate Faith’s excellent performance, we call
on the Kamba Nation to join forces with our county
governments to invest significantly more resources into
the education, training and skills development of our
people. This is the only sure way out of poverty and
prosperity for future generations.
MWĨ ASEO!
J U L Y 2 0 2 1 V O L 1 , I S S U E 0 2
P
Faith and her mother, Flora Mumo
– Elder Charles Muoki Kasing’a

Please tell us about yourself?
My name is Dr. Naomi Makau a resident of
Makueni County. I serve as the Minister of
Education, Youth and ICT in Makueni
County. I’m an educationist with a focus
on curriculum development. I hold a PhD
in Education Administration with a major
in curriculum studies from Masai Mara
University.
Please walk us through your
educational journey.
I was born and raised in Makueni County’s
Mbooni sub-county. I went to a local
primary school where I excelled in my
KCPE examination and was invited to join
Kaaga Girls’ High School. I was unable to
attend the school because I hailed from a
low-income household and we had
financial difficulties. Consequently, I
enrolled at Mbooni Boys High School, I
know it sounds strange because I am a
lady and it was thought to be a boys-only
school. In secondary school, I worked
extremely hard so that when I took the
Kenya Certificate of Secondary
Examination I would attain a Division 1
and be able to gain entry to a school in
Nairobi for Forms 5 and 6. I was able to
obtain Division 1 and was accepted to Moi
Forces Academy. Since I had studied in
Nairobi, I decided to attend a university
outside of the capital. I was fortunate
enough to be accepted into Egerton
University to study a Bachelor of
Education, specializing in Chemistry and
Physics.
After graduation, I began working as an
assistant teacher in Kangundo. I went on
to become a teacher, then a principal and
later a lecturer. I also hold a master’s
degree in Education Administration from
the University of Nairobi.
What are the Ministry of Education’s key
accomplishments under your
leadership?
Early Childhood Development Education
(ECDE) is devolved to the counties.
Makueni County has over 45,000 students
enrolled in ECDEs. We have improved the
infrastructure and created play areas for
the children. We have also developed
sports activities in the county and
incorporated people abled differently in
the sporting activities. We have also
created a number of youth-oriented
programs, such as Girls in STEM. Every year,
we also support 90 bright students from
needy families to join high school.
What advice would you give to young ladies who look up to you?
Young ladies should be laser-focused on achieving their goals. They should also have
mentors that they admire and also those that can guide them. They should always set aside
time to connect with their creator as well as time to spend with their families.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
I want to leave a united team behind. I don’t want my successor to spend majority of their
time attempting to bring various departments together. We’re also working toward
achieving all the set goals. I don’t want to leave any task that needs to be completed within
this time frame unfinished. In addition, I’m aiming to increase the number of partners on
board.
DR. NAOMI MAKAU
A C A R E E R E D U C A T I O N I S T
Was becoming an educator your childhood dream?
No. My ambition as a child was to become a captain. However, in high school,
my physics teacher, an ex-captain who genuinely enjoyed teaching Physics,
inspired me. The teacher instilled in me a passion for Physics.
What are the priorities for the County Ministry of Education, Youth and
ICT?
As a ministry, we are concentrating on financing of education, youth
empowerment with a focus on quality education in collaboration with different
organizations and providing quality technical skills to our youths so that they are
work ready.
Dr. Naomi Makau, is the Minister of
Education, Youth and ICT, Makueni
County. She recently talked to Lillian
Mwanzia, of Wasya wa Mukamba.
What lessons can be learned from Covid-19, and what is Makueni doing
differently to deal with the pandemic?
We have learned how to make the best use of locally available resources. When
COVID-19 come to Kenya, I recall the masks were quite pricey. We made the
decision as a county to empower our polytechnics to create affordable masks for
our people. When schools reopened, we gave the ECDE kids masks. We are also
holding technology-related challenge competitions for the county’s youth in
order to gather ideas from them on how to use technology to cope with the new
normal.
What effort is the Makueni’s government making to lower girls’ dropout
rates?
We have asked school heads to counsel the students and allow back those that
had dropped out due to pregnancy.
Message to Mbaitu Founders
I give thanks to God for Mbaitu Foundation’s founders. I’m grateful for the fantastic work
they’re doing and for remembering us in Kenya even while they’re away. We are excited
about the collaboration between Makueni County and Mbaitu Foundation. I commit to give
the partnership my full support.
J U L Y 2 0 2 1 V O L 1 , I S S U E 0 2
P A G E 3
Dr. Naomi Makau receiving a gift
from Lilian of Mbaitu Foundation
Dr. Naomi Makau

P A G E 4
J U L Y 2 0 2 1 V O L 1 , I S S U E 0 2
When Rev. Krapf met the Akamba people, he
first sought to study and understand their
culture and language before he translated
portions of biblical scriptures into Kikamba.
To the Akamba, God speaking in their native
tongue spoke to their hearts and made sense
in the context of their culture. Instead of
condemning their culture and traditions, Rev.
Krapf appreciated the Akamba way of life
and industry. He traveled with them between
Mombasa and Ukambani, saw how they
responded to attacks by robbers and raiders,
and witnessed them defending themselves
boldly with their bows and arrows. His
writings and testimonials are more
appreciative than critical.
The later missionaries in the colonial period
seem to have been the exact opposite. Their
writings and observations were mostly filled
with negativity and harsh criticism of the
Akamba, and Africans in general. The
collaboration between the missionaries and
colonial officers to seemingly oppress and
subdue Africans was disturbing when one
considered the meaning of Christianity and
Christ’s example in comparison with the
model provided by the later missionaries and
the Christian colonial administration.
The creation of native reserves, the settlers’
shrewd appropriation of the Africans’ fertile
land, the cruel labor terms in the settlers
farms and industry, and the restrictions of the
African from interacting and travelling freely
did not seem to arouse any significance
protest from the missionaries who were
supposed to represent the voice of
Christianity and for that matter Christ in
Africa. They kept quiet or supported these
atrocities.
The Akamba watched as the missionaries
joined the colonial officers for Sunday
services, mass and other worship gatherings
and wondered if there was any difference
between the missionaries and the colonial
masters. They took their children to the same
schools which were out of bounds for African
children, drank from the same cup during
the Holy Communion yet set a separate cup
for Africans, and patronized the same social
joints that were exclusive for the settlers and
colonial officers.
During the pre-colonial era, the Akamba were renowned long distance traders,
dominating trade from the African coast to the hinterland, as able
intermediaries who controlled the trade to create a class of wealthy chiefs and
rich businessmen. They had also perfected the iron and metal industry, smelting
iron to make metal tools for their own use and for trade. The name ‘Kitui’ means
iron ore smelting and metalworking, due to its rich deposits of iron ore and
other minerals. Local communities here already knew about these minerals and
even named regions according to their natural mineral reserves. Most of the iron
extraction and carving of arrows, cattle bells, knives, swords, hoes and other iron
tools for warfare, trade and decorative purposes was done in the Kitui area.
The Christian Akamba expected the missionaries to defend them when the
colonial government closed down industries and the economic activities of the
Africans. However, the missionaries did not even raise a finger. Instead they
seemed determined to tell the Akamba that “blessed are the poor for theirs is
the Kingdom of Heaven”. Their missions seemed geared to producing obedient
and humble laborers for the settlers and willing tax payers for the colony. Some
Akamba perceived the missions as an extension of the colonial administration.
The colonial administration imposed new restrictions of movements, curtailing
long distance trade and the Akamba could no longer trade with neighboring
communities like the Kikuyu, Meru or Embu as they had done before. There
were no more blacksmiths from Kitui, as some had been threatened that their
hands would be cut off if they were caught doing any iron metalwork. Everyone
was pushed into so much desperation so as to remain with only one option:
becoming obedient beggars and willing, humbled cheap laborer for the settler
plantations and industry.
As people were marginalized into the drier areas and native reserves, the
Akamba could no longer access their grazing fields which had become
properties of the foreigners. With no spaces and fields to graze, the small areas
remaining for the Akamba was under pressure which led to soil erosion. The
colonialists then used this fact as an excuse to drive the Akamba to even more
poverty and desperation through forceful destocking.
he Africa Brotherhood Church’s (ABC) identity
and history is closely related to the history of
pre-colonial Eastern Africa. The church’s roots
sprung from the seed of the word of God
translated into Kamba language by Rev. Dr.
Ludwig Krapf, the German missionary and
explorer, long before the colonial period and
before later missionaries joined colonial
administrators in East Africa. In this issue we
cover the early history of the founding of the
church.
The Africa Brotherhood Church’s
birthing was conceived from such
observations. The Akamba, who had
heard of the Rev. Krapf unadulterated
Gospel of love and tolerance, could not
reconcile these behaviors and silence
to oppression and blatant injustices.
Those who had heard the Kamba
scriptures readings from Rev. Krapf’s
translated scripture verses started to
doubt the genuineness and motives of
all these newcomers.
In 1922, one Kamba prophet called Ndonye wa Kauti preached about the arrival
of a ‘European God’ who would banish the existing Europeans from the land and
end the oppressive unfair tax on poor Africans by the foreign colonial
administration. Ndonye termed the foreigners ungodly and evil because of the
oppressive regime and policies against the Akamba.
In our next issue, we will cover the successful peaceful mass demonstration of the
Akamba against the colonial policy of destocking, and the events that led to the
founding of the African Brotherhood Church.
The creation of native reserves, the settlers’ shrewd appropriation of the
Africans’ fertile land, the cruel labor terms in the settlers farms and
industry, and the restrictions of the African from interacting and travelling
freely did not seem to arouse any significance protest from the missionaries
who were supposed to represent the voice of Christianity and for that matter
Christ in Africa.
A C h u r c h F o u n d e d a n d L e d b y A f r i c a n s
AFRICAN BROTHERHOOD
CHURCH
Dr. Ndambuki, current Archbishop of
ABC
T

According to studies, the majority of people in Ukambani,
particularly women in remote rural areas, have a high illiteracy
rate. To make matters worse, education standards in Ukambani
have been declining in recent years. In 2018, education expert
Peter Mbuva underscored that education in the region is gradually
deteriorating and the national rankings of most top schools in the
region are declining. This indicates that there is a void to be filled
in the region’s education sector. It was for this reason that BGAP
was established, with the intent of turning around the negative
educational narrative in Ukambani.
The mentorship sessions will address topics such as building self-
confidence and esteem, goal setting, enhancing knowledge of
career options, and providing leadership training. This, according
to BGAP, is a crucial step toward true empowerment.
Although BGAP was only launched recently, and is still in the
formative stages of implementation as a pilot project, it has made
some remarkable successes. It has seven mentors on board, all of
whom are graduates of Kenyan universities as well as national high
school alumnae. Faith Kawee Mumo, the top KCPE student in
2020, has also joined the program as a high school student mentee.
In addition, 11 primary school mentees have been signed into the
program.
We are open for partnerships to make the life of Kamba girls better
and have a well defined future for our nation.
For enquiries, you can contact Lilian on lmwanzia8@gmail.com.
or Ms. Lilian Ndinda Mwanzia, the founder of Bright Girls
Alliance Program, bridging the gap was empowering young
girls through academic mentorship. She strongly believes that
education has the power to fundamentally improve people’s
life. Running a successful mentorship program was her
childhood dream. It was one of those things she felt confident
she would accomplish.
However, she intended to launch the program after attaining
certain career milestones. But fate had something else in store
for her. She met Elder Charles Kasinga, of the Mbaitu
Foundation, shortly after graduating with a Bachelor of Science
in Entrepreneurship from the Jomo Kenyatta University of
Science and Technology, in Nairobi. The encounter had a
profound impact on her life: Charles persuaded her to pursue
her dream and turn it into a reality. Following that encounter,
Bright Girls Alliance Program (BGAP) was established.
Alliance Girls High School molded her into the lady she is today,
which is why she advocates for national high schools. By enrolling
in a national school, you are regarded as a role model and a
member of society’s crème de la crème in the academic arena.
Apart from that, the performance ranking of the top 100 schools is
dominated by national high schools. Some of the coveted girls’
national high schools in the country that have been recording
excellent KCSE results include Kenya High School; Moi Girls High
School, Eldoret; Starehe Girls High School; Precious Blood, Riruta;
Maryhill Girls High School, Loreto High School, Limuru; Limuru
High School Girls; Moi Forces High School Lanet; and Nakuru
High School Girls. The vision of BGAP is therefore for all mentees
to gain admission into these renowned schools.
BGAP is a non-profit initiative that was established in 2021. Its
mission is to provide a nurturing and learning environment for
academically gifted girls in Ukambani that will motivate and
support them in reaching their full academic potential, with the
near-term goal of enrolling in a national high schools and
ultimately pursuing careers in the science, technology,
engineering and mathematics (STEM) field.
Ms. Mwanzia, hails from Kitui County, hence why she chose to
start the program in that region, after all, it is said charity
begins at home. She vividly recalls her journey to her dream
high school, the Alliance Girls High School (AGHS). She had to
put forth a lot of effort to get the required grade to enter the
institution. As a result of her upbringing in Ukambani, she fully
understands what it takes to thrive academically.
Bright Girls Alliance Program
(BGAP)
Ms. Lilian Mwanzia, the founder and director BGAP
BGAP mentors, alumni of top Kenyan national
schools
F
BGAP Team
P A G E 5

What are your plans for the future?
I would like to offer mentorship programs for the
girls back home to make them aware that
despite their underprivileged backgrounds, they
can rise above it.
What are the needs of people back in your
village in Kitui?
There is need to improve basic infrastructure
such as roads and healthcare facilities. We need
accessible, affordable, and available healthcare
facilities. We also need mentorship programs to
help young people, for instance, those in the
boda boda business, manage their finances and
grow their businesses.
If you were the Governor of Kitui County,
what would be your priority?
I would spend resources making sure that every
village has access to potable water by sinking
boreholes. When you provide water, you reduce
the incidence of water-borne diseases in the
county. I would do things that make the lives of
women and girls in villages easier.
What are your hobbies?
I am enthusiastic about physical fitness. I run,
hike and do yoga. I also have a passion for
fashion. I love dressing up and looking nice. I
make clothes and started a fashion business for
dressing women and girls. My goal is to inspire
people and make them feel good about
themselves. My fashion line is featured on
Facebook and Instagram under the name Kokio.
What is your work experience?
After graduation, I was privileged to secure an
internship at Citizen TV where I worked for about nine
months and later joined KTN for my first official job. I
worked for KTN for six years starting as a reporter, then
becoming a senior reporter for feature stories. While at
KTN I cut a niche for myself in the sectors touching on
women, children and people living with disabilities. I
had a special passion for reproductive, maternal and
infant health stories and I continuously amplified
women voices to push for better health care access. My
work was recognized by UN related bodies and was
awarded several awards as journalists of the year in the
above categories.
What inspired you to get to where you are?
My zeal to help women and girls started from home. Growing up, my parents would
host several women needy from our village at our home, helping them with food,
clothing and advising them on basic information about family planning and
reproductive health. My mother is the biggest philanthropist I know, her passion for
women is unmatched and she is still spending her retirement helping women in and
outside our village.
Tell me about your family background, education and career.
I was born and raised in Kyanika, Chuluni sub- location in Kitui East in a family of six;
my dad, mum, two sisters and a brother. I attended Central Primary school and later
joined Mulango Girls High school. After my high school studies, I joined University of
Nairobi to study a bachelor’s degree in journalism and media studies. From a young
age, I was a story teller and very social, as a teenager I knew I wanted to be a
communicator when I grow up.
Angel Katusia is a communication and media strategist at
the White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood. She
recently talked to Mercy Katungu, of Wasya wa Mukamba.
P A G E 6
J U L Y 2 0 2 1 V O L 1 , I S S U E 0 2
ANGEL KATUSIA
A Champion for Maternal Health
What have you done to help women and girls from your birth village?
We have done this as a family, led by my mum. Few years ago, my mother, known by
many as -Mwende Katusya, started a group (currently with over 20 women) that
targeted needy widows from our village and beyond. Most of these are over 70 years
old and poor with no access to basic food and health care. The women are all
currently registered under one group that bring them together, they were all enrolled
to the county health Card plan to enable them access healthcare without struggling
financially. They are also signed up in the government’s social protection, Inua Jamii
Senior Citizens' Scheme. As a family we have built houses for the homeless and
provided them with basic needs such as water and aided electricity connection in
their homes.
Two years ago, we started another program for young girls in a neighboring school
where we frequently donate sanitary towels and hygiene packs to the girls.
Angel Katusia
Angel Katusia's Mother
Angel at a selfcare session with young
girls in Kibera
In 2014, I left mainstream media in search for growth and challenge. I wanted to grow
my expertise beyond media in this case beyond newsroom. I joined Ogilvy and Mather.
At Ogilvy I developed exceptional agency experience in PR and strategy. My drive is
always to help brands tell their stories in more authentic and organic way. This led me
to later join with Simba Corporation, a motor and hospitality group as the Head of
Communication.
My passion for women during my days in the newsroom made me make connections
with White Ribbon Alliance, a global advocacy organization advocating for women
and girls’ rights. I volunteered at White Ribbon Alliance throughout my working life
until 2020 when I joined to work for the organization as the senior communication
Manager based in their Nairobi office.
What message do you have for people in the
diaspora?
People in the diaspora have been exposed to a
high level of awareness and they have access to
many opportunities t. I appeal to our brothers and
sisters living abroad to stay connected with the
people back home and empower them, whilst
being role models to young people to inspire them
to achieve great things. I would encourage them to
partner with people here in endeavors to improve
the lives of our people.

n May 20th, 2021, Faith was able to pay a visit to the Archbishop of ABC Church, Dr. Timothy Ndambuki in Machakos town
accompanied by her family and the Mbaitu Foundation team. The visit was arranged by the Mbaitu Foundation. The Church and the
foundation have been engaging in various activities jointly share the vision of transforming Ukambani.
Faith Mumo was commended by the Archbishop for her exceptional performance and for putting Ukambani in the limelight. Dr.
Ndambuki counseled Faith to remain humble and pursue her dreams diligently. The Archbishop prayed for her and presented her with a
gift. He also praised Mbaitu Foundation and the Bright Girls Alliance Programme for their efforts in improving education standards in
Ukambani.
NEWS BRIEF
Faith Kawee Mumo Visits organized by Mbaitu
Foundation
Faith Mumo is undeniably a star not only in Ukambani, but throughout Kenya. She is a symbol of resilience and determination for
having achieved exemplary performance in the midst of a pandemic.Numerous opportunities have been presenting themselves as
a result of her performance. Prominent and influential people in the country have been sending her congratulatory messages and
invitations to meet her.
baitu Foundation in collaboration with Cheli and Peacock Safaris facilitated a two nights’ safari at Tortilis Camp in Amboseli for Faith
and her family on 26th May 2021. They enjoyed the game drive and the wildness experience. It was indeed a life-changing moment for
the family..The Cheli and Peacock team were impressed by Faith's performance and surprised her with a cake to celebrate her hard work.
VISIT TO ABC CHURCH
SAFARI AT AMBOSELI
J U L Y 2 0 2 1 V O L 1 , I S S U E 0 2
P A G E 7
VISIT TO MAKUENI COUNTY
s part of her itinerary, the former KARI Mwailu student also paid a visit to Dr. Naomi Makau, the Makueni County Minister for Education,
Youth, and ICT, on June 15, 2021 accompanied by her ather and the MF team. Dr. Naomi praised her for her excellent performance and
promised to arrange for her to meet the Governor, Prof. Kivutha Kibwana.
We Wish Faith All the Best in Her Future Endeavors
O
M
A

P A G E 5
Mbaitu Foundation Inc.
719 W. Front Street
Tyler, Texas 75702 USA
+1.866.4mbaitu (+1.866.462.2488)
H E A D Q U A R T E R S
Eden Square,
Chiromo Road,
Westlands,Nairobi
(+254).703.716.869
O U R K E N Y A O F F I C E
https://mbaitufoundation.org/
THANK YOU FOR READING!
P A G E 8
J U L Y 2 0 2 1 V O L 1 , I S S U E 0 2
Other common forums where proverbs were
heard was in the course of a younger person
interacting with an older one, for example a
grandfather or grandmother with a son
(daughter) or grandson (daughter), an older
uncle (aunt) with a niece or nephew.
A typical usage of a proverb would begin like
this, “Akamba maasyaa…..” Nowadays, the
art of speaking in proverbs is almost getting
lost as more and more of us adopt English
and Kiswahili as the preferred language of
communicating within the family, hence our
commitment to explain the usage of at least
one Kamba proverb in every issue. It is worth
noting that proverbs or nthimo are sweetest
when used in vernacular conversations.
rowing up in Ũkambani more than 50 years ago, I
observed that whenever an elder (mũtumĩa) needed
to consult or speak about something of importance
with a neighbor or a close friend, they would wake
up very early to ensure that they found the person
they needed to speak with still at his home before
they left to undertake their chores for the day. In
some instances, advance notice would be given of
the intended visit, and if it was necessary to involve
other village elders, they too would be invited to
attend the meeting.
The atumĩa would talk about the matter that they
had been invited to discuss and it would typically be
in the course of such discussions that you might hear
a proverb thrown into the discussion. Proverbs were
also commonly used in negotiations for settlement
of disputes, marriage and land matters.
In this issue we shall discuss the proverb below:
Akamba maasyaa ve yieyo ĩkũkaa mũkeũ
ũkaemea makũmbini
Literal translation: There is a tooth which, if it is
pulled out, food in the granaries becomes
impossible to eat.
Application: In a family setup, there is a key
member who if they die or is otherwise
indisposed, no one else can take the special role
they play as effectively. The special role is
usually the leadership role of a family matriarch
or patriarch. The special role could equally be a
respected family member who is the voice of
reason whenever a dispute or challenge arises.
Thus in their absence a vacuum is created in the
family which cripples decision-making.
THE KAMBA CULTURE
Major Identities of the Kamba language, Origin and Culture
KAMBA CLANS
Proverbs In The Kamba Culture
id you know that the Akitondo and the Mbari ya Mburi, a clan of Agikuyu, share a common ancestor? In case you
were unaware, now you know. In Ukambani, the Akitondo are one of the most prominent and well known clans. They
originated from Kitondo Hill in Makueni County. Their progenitors were said to have been spotted resting atop the
Kitondo hill, hence the name Akitondo, which means “one from Kitondo.” Although they were primarily found in
Machakos County, over the years they have increased and spread widely to other parts of Ukambani.
Unconfirmed information about the Akitondo claims that Kenya’s first president, the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, and his tribe have Kamba ancestors. Kenyatta
spent his infancy in Ukambani, according to one Akitondo elder based in Machakos County. However before colonialism and the stirrings of the freedom
struggle, he migrated to Gatundu, where he was raised by an uncle. Ukambani was originally much larger than it is now; reaching up to what is now part of
Kiambu County, particularly the drier areas stretching from Tala and Kilimambogo to sections of Thika, Ruiru and Juja.
AKITONDO CLAN (Mbaa Mbuli)
7. Kyengo
8. Ĩweto
9. Ĩkithathi
10. Ĩlumaita
4. Mũthonua
5. Nthenge
6. Mbanga
Kũoka
Ndiwa
Syĩtawa
1.
2.
3.
Word to describe an early morning or a special visit
A widow
My daughter- in- law’s mother (or father) or my son-in-law’s mother (or father)
My father-in-law or my mother-in-law
Male goat
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
HOWWELLDOYOUKNOWKIKAMBA?
Questions
6. An accident
7. A cattle enclosure usually alone and way from the homestead
8. A girl ‘married’ by another woman to bear children for her
9. First-born son
10. Last-born son
They are famous for “eating after others have eaten”, which is a symbolic way to say that they like to make sure that
everything is in order before settling down. They also have a strong liking for goat meat. The crow, a sign of
cowardice, is associated with the clan. ‘Ava Mbuli’ is their clan slogan, which is commonly chanted during clan
meetings.
Answerrs
G
D
Stories written and editted
by:
Lilian Mwanzia
Mercy Katungu
Josephine Mutungi
Joyce Wausi
Newsletter Designed by:
Mercy Katungu

Wasya Wa Mukamba - July 2021 Edition

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