25 Years of Service: A Legacy of Partnership in Kenya

This year marks 25 years of Youthlinc’s humanitarian work in Kenya. As someone who has been involved since the very beginning, I am deeply honored to reflect on this journey and the incredible partnerships we’ve built together.

My name is David Muiru. I am a real estate consultant and Managing Director of Gimco Limited in Nairobi, Kenya. But beyond my professional life, I have always been passionate about service. That passion took root in 1977, when I joined the first Interact Club at Starehe Boys Centre, and has flourished through decades of Rotary leadership. In 2001, it intersected with Youthlinc.

It all began with a simple request: to check in on a charitable project in Nakuru, organized by the late Shirley Michel from Salt Lake City. That small favor turned into a lifelong commitment. I met Dr. Vanderhoof and later Judy Zone, Youthlinc’s founder, who formally introduced me to the program during a visit to Utah. Before long, I became Youthlinc’s In-Country Coordinator for Kenya.

Sites of Impact

Over the years, Youthlinc has served in multiple regions across Kenya, leaving a legacy of sustainable development:

• Ngala School for the Deaf (2001–2005): We built a tailoring shop, IT and library units, and a biogas system. In one of our most memorable projects, we donated dairy cows that continue to provide income and nutrition to the school to this day.

• Kaaga Special School in Meru (2006–2011): While focused primarily on school improvements, our work helped inspire the formation of the Rotary Club of Meru.

• Kajuki, Tharaka Nithi County (2012–2018): Here, our projects expanded to dormitories, water systems, classrooms, dispensaries, and vocational training.

• Bahati, Nakuru County (2019–Present): In both Muriundu and Our Lady of Fatima Primary Schools, we have built classrooms and labs, created tailoring and carpentry enterprises, and trained local youth in vocational skills.

Cross-Cultural Connection

Hosting hundreds of American students and volunteers has been a deeply rewarding experience. Each year, I’ve been inspired by new team leaders, each bringing unique strengths. The students are consistently respectful, hardworking, and deeply empathetic. The bonds they form with local children-evident in the tears at every farewell ceremony-are a testament to the genuine cultural exchange that Youthlinc fosters.

Though Americans arrive knowing little about the diversity of Kenyan culture, they leave with a profound appreciation of our traditions, languages, and community spirit. Likewise, we gain a deeper understanding of their values and drive for service. Ultimately, we see each other for what we are: fellow humanitarians with a shared purpose.

Rotary Roots, Shared Values

My long-standing Rotary journey-guided by the principle of “Service Above Self”-has been in perfect alignment with Youthlinc’s mission to create lifetime humanitarians. Through Rotary, I learned to build effective community coalitions. This model has guided our work, especially since 2012, when we began forming strong local committees made up of educators, faith leaders, parents, government officials, and service providers. These partnerships have ensured the safety, impact, and sustainability of every project.

Looking Ahead

As we look to the next 25 years, I hope Youthlinc will continue to focus on infrastructure-projects that serve communities across generations. I also urge young people to claim their space in service. Generation Z is already shaping social and political discourse in Kenya and around the world. They have the energy, passion, and voice to lead humanitarian efforts into the future. I am living proof that a life of service can begin in youth and flourish across decades.

To the donors, sponsors, and volunteers of Youthlinc: your generosity has changed lives. You have built schools, inspired futures, and, most importantly, created enduring connections between our cultures. From all of us in Kenya, thank you. Your legacy is visible in every brick laid, every classroom filled, and every young person who now dares to dream bigger.