During this year’s festive season, PS Kenya had the honor of spreading cheer to some of the most vulnerable members of our community—the children at New Life Home Trust (NLHT). This initiative aimed to bring joy and support to these children, while also fostering community engagement and raising awareness about their needs. Each year, countless children in Kenya face abandonment and neglect, with over 3,000 babies left without care annually. Many of these children find their way to NLHT, where they receive love, support, and a chance for a brighter future.
Founded in 1994 by a compassionate family from the UK, NLHT has become a vital support system for abandoned and vulnerable babies in Kenya. The organization operates four homes across the country—in Nairobi, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Nyeri—and has cared for over 2,550 children since its inception. Approximately 85% of these children have been successfully placed into loving homes through adoption or reintegration with their biological families. Currently, the home houses about 138 children, including those in a special needs unit. During our visit to the Nairobi branch, which has a capacity of 51 children, we saw firsthand the dedication of the 60 professionals, including doctors and nurses, who provided medical care as part of their registered clinic services.
Our visit began with a comprehensive walk-through of the facility, where we learned about its history and operations. We were deeply moved by the environment created for the children, especially in the newborn unit. Officially designed to accommodate eight infants, we were struck to find eleven tiny lives nestled in cribs, each symbolizing hope amidst a pressing need for care. As we toured the facility, we were impressed by the cleanliness and orderliness, which reflected the dedication of the staff. Their commitment to maintaining a nurturing environment was evident in every corner, from the well-organized nursing stations, segmented by age groups (0-4 months, weaning babies, crawlers, and toddlers), all following a structured schedule for sleep, eating, and play.
The facility also included an Isolation Room for new children to receive medical checkups and care, as well as a Play Area/Dayroom where children could engage in playtime activities. The staff’s unwavering dedication ensured that each child not only received medical attention but also experienced love and nurturing, creating a home-like atmosphere that fostered growth and happiness.
Interacting with the children was an absolute delight. We had the opportunity to cuddle and feed them, bringing immense joy to both the children and ourselves. Their laughter and smiles filled the room with warmth, making it clear that despite their challenging beginnings, they were surrounded by love and care. A cake-cutting ceremony further celebrated our visit, embodying the spirit of giving during the festive season.
Our experience at NLHT served as a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we come together as a community. The stories of these children and the incredible work being done by the staff inspired us to continue advocating for their needs and to foster partnerships that can further enhance their lives.