Kenya '90 Expedition

In August 1990 I joined 54 Hertfordshire Scouts on an 4 week expedition to Kenya. For the previous two years there had been a strict selection process, monthly team building events, training sessions and fund-raising of over 100,000 UK pounds. The expedition was split into two teams. One to build a water storage tank in the village of Wundanyi, in the hills half way between Mombassa & Nairobi. The other team, which I belonged to, had the objective to complete a small local dispensary in Gitare, some forty miles north-east of Nairobi.

Villagers escorting us to the building site

One of the most memorable experiences was how grateful & friendly the local people were to us. Both when we arrived at the village and when we left, hundreds of villagers turned up. Ceremonies lasted for hours and we were encouraged to join in the dancing and festivities.

The hospital as it had been left for ten years

This small hospital had been started by the local community in 1980. Due to lack of funds, enthusiasm and project management it lay in ruin for ten years. We sent some money in advance to help re-start the project. Upon arrival, we spent three weeks with local people to complete the building work.

The completed project before being painted

As well as the building project, we also raised funds to equip the hospital with medical equipment donated by British medical companies and charities. This would help get the local hospital up and running prior to further supplies from the Kenyan health authorities.

Donating medical equipment to the Hospital Director

If you ever get a chance to be involved with such a project I would thoroughly recommend it. If not, ensure that you get to Kenya and meet some of the local village people and visit as much of the country as you can.

Further Reading on Kenya

• Kenya

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