Centre Overview
The Ruiru Rehabilitation Centre began as a community feeding program in 1997 that sought to respond to a growing number of street children in Ruiru who needed critical assistance. Local residents fed the children once or twice a week, but soon realized that more organized support was needed.
In 1998, Mr. Kimani, a local businessman, responded by offering part of his estate and existing facilities as a temporary shelter. Soon, other generous donations following, giving birth to Ruiru Rehabilitation Centre.
In the years that followed, the centre grew as more people -- both local residents and expatriates -- became interested and involved. Altogether, friends and supporters of the center eventually raised enough funds to hire full-time staff and build a larger centre, including two dormitories that can accommodate over 60 children.
In 2006, RRC purchased its own four-acre plot. In order to utilize the space and many opportunities of this new land, the RRC Board decided to relocate the children even though funds were not yet sufficient for the construction of permanent structures.
As a temporary measure, the Board decided to build basic dormitories and a small hall on the new plot. The construction of these buildings was done with the financial support of our donors.
The children moved to the new location in August 2007 and were immediately excited about the larger space and new clean buildings. The space includes a large football pitch, and sheep have been bought to graze the plot.
Today, the Board is working to expand and improve the facilities to welcome more of the children who still live on the streets of Ruiru. Funds are currently being raised to replace the current semi-permanent structures with larger and stronger eco-friendly buildings, converting the centre into an environmentally sustainable home and providing better services to its occupants.
