SUCCESS STORIES.
KEVIN
Kelvin experienced violence, abuse and hunger in the streets as a young boy. On top of this harsh reality, things were only more difficult for him as a result of his partial blindness due to a deteriorating congenital eye condition. He ran away from home at a young age because he was abused. He lived in the streets fighting to survive for several years. When Kelvin found Alfajiri, he attended workshops regularly and eventually was reunited with his grandmother and subsequently an uncle. Alfajiri sponsored him to go to boarding school at Thika School for the Blind, where he joined the school’s sports teams to compete in athletics.In 2022, Kelvin placed first in a major running competition, emerging as the school’s top runner. Shortly after this achievement, Kelvin was selected to represent Kenya in the Paralympic championship competitions.
New Update
Kelvin has continued to believe in himself, always giving his best shot. He represented Kenya in 2023 in the Paralympic Championship in Brazil. He participated in the goal-ball game, winning a silver medal. This was a major milestone, showing how far he has come. For a person who had lost hope after experiencing brutality in the streets and so many setbacks, he is now a world champion. His dedication paid off after intense training.
This year (May 2025), Kelvin did not disappoint either. He participated in the Paralympic world games Championship; power lifting held in Kazakhstan. On the very first day, Kelvin won a gold medal for Kenya and five more medals in the subsequent days. This is not just a win for him; it is a true reflection of what resilience looks like and an encouragement to his peers. Life does not end when one finds themselves in the streets; a new beginning is always possible with a little help and a lot of motivation. The boys who remember Kelvin in the streets are greatly inspired and he is an encouragement to not only the street boys and girls, but everyone.
JUMA
Juma lived in the streets for many years before lifting himself out of destitution by selling local scrap metals. He was able to earn enough money to afford a small place to live. Juma has developed into a very versatile and talented artist dedicated to his craft. He often watches painting videos and talks with professional painters to improve his work. He is professional in his artistic approach and is always willing to learn new things. Juma visits the Alfajiri center twice per week to paint and draw freely. Juma’s dedication to his craft has not gone unnoticed, as his talented work had a critical influence on a gallery selection committee in France. He continues to create beautiful pieces that speak to his creativity and focus.
NICK
Nick been an active participant at Alfajiri workshops. He is now a gifted and accomplished painter exhibiting nationally and internationally. Nicholas has recently secured a studio with other artists to display his work at Kuona Trust artists Collective.
He is also represented in Alfajiri studios and is part of Alfajiri Artists collaboration.
It is hard to believe that such a talented and hardworking man was once a boy roaming the streets of Mlango Kubwa with nothing to his name. He has been apprenticed for 3 years at the Framing studio in Kuona Trust Nairobi where he has developed a high level of skill in framing and stretching canvas.
He has now started his own framing business and his framed work has been in the National Museum, his stretched canvas in 3zero house in both Nairobi and Paris. He is headed for a brilliant career facilitated by Alfajiri.
FAITH
Faith has just completed her secondary studies in school in Kisii, her family rural home in Kenya. There she stayed with her grandfather to concentrate on her studies. Faith came to Alfajiri for assistance while living in Nairobi in a straightened situation. She had no chance to escape the cycle of poverty while living in the slums of Nairobi.
Faith has always been the mainstay of her family as the first born, inspiring and caring for her brother and small sisters. An intelligent and forthright girl with many capabilities she is now seeking tertiary education in nursing or education. Despite her background, she is the first in her family to have the opportunity to enter university with a score of B- which is a great achievement.
YUSUF
Yusuf came to Alfajiri in 2022 looking for assistance to improve his life. He lived in the ghetto alone with his grandmother and had just finished his secondary education under sponsorship with Equity Bank. Now he did not know how to find a way forward and as an intelligent focused young man, he had great ambitions and the drive to achieve. Yusuf is now in 3rd year University in a course in Statistics, guided and supported by Alfajiri.
Yusuf has a great talent as a painter and is now professional and sophisticated in his work. He is an exhibiting artist, represented in collections both local and international and has discovered a gift for teaching where he has assisted Alfajiri facilitators to conduct workshops in schools and prisons. Most recently his work, part of a series titled Displacement was collected by the Mayor of Paris in France. He has also had his large work of the aftermath of the Kenyan Floods, purchased by an American representative of the UN.
PATRICK
Patrick came to Alfajiri in 2020, a small and withdrawn boy living on the streets. He had little hope and struggled with substance use. After being guided through two rehabilitation programs and introduced to a mechanics course, it became clear that his true passion lay elsewhere—art.
When he first walked into the Alfajiri centre, Patrick insisted, “I can’t paint.” But after being encouraged to try, and exploring the works of Vincent van Gogh, something clicked. He created his first painting—a bold, vibrant vase of red flowers. That moment marked a turning point.
Since then, Patrick has become one of Alfajiri’s most prolific artists. His work is expressive, thoughtful, and full of color. He is now a professional painter, represented in local and international collections, and has exhibited at the National Museum of Kenya. Patrick credits painting with helping him leave street life and addiction behind.
He is a quiet, kind young man—respected and admired by all who know him—and a shining example of what can happen when potential meets opportunity.
HASSAN
Hassan, having a Somali heritage, experienced even more challenges and threats among the street boys living in the rubbish dumps of Mlango Kubwa than many of his counterparts. The prejudice displayed against his race is unjustifiable yet quite real, which made it very difficult for Alfajiri staff members to place him in an appropriate rehabilitation center. Despite this terrible injustice towards Hassan and his fellow Somali people, Alfajiri was able to sponsor him from age 11 to go to primary school and rehabilitation. Now, at 21 years old, Hassan has dreams of a bright future, likely revolving around art as he has grown to be a very prolific and talented young artist. Hassan studies screen printing and has hopes to sell his designs on clothes and shoes. He is an incredibly graphic and well-organized artist who regularly travels over an hour to come to the center to practice his artwork and talk about his struggles, hopes, and dreams for the future.
