To Empower & Educate the children of Kenya

Small Actions, Big Differences

Another busy and rewarding year for Books and Bread for Kenya!

From helping children stay in school to providing food, healthcare and safe accommodation, BBK has continued to make a real difference to families and communities in Kenya.

Some of our work involves major projects, while other times it's something as simple as a new school uniform, a pair of shoes or a food parcel. But every bit of support matters.

Here's a look at what we've been up to this year.

A Word from Our Chairperson

I'm delighted to share another year of progress at Books and Bread for Kenya.

The charity remains financially stable, with our accounts independently examined and a healthy balance maintained.

One of our most exciting developments this year has been the purchase of land in Barani Village, where we hope to build four terraced bungalows for families desperately in need of secure housing.

Our regular food distributions have continued, supporting families in Barani and Pentagon villages, street children in Mombasa and elderly people near Mtwapa.

None of this would be possible without our trustees, local teams, sponsors and supporters.

Thank you for your continued generosity and commitment.

Food, Essentials and Everyday Support

Sometimes, the most immediate way to help a family is simply to make sure there's food on the table.

This year, BBK continued supporting Mothers' Vision (MV), providing funding in September 2025 to cover a full year of food, basic essentials and education.

Hannah and her local team have been busy distributing food and essential supplies to some of the most vulnerable people in Barani and Pentagon villages.

Each food parcel costs approximately £17, and distributions took place three times during the year.

Amini also distributed food to approximately 100 families, while Lucy received support to provide meals for street children in Mombasa at Christmas and Easter.

Behind every parcel is a family with one less thing to worry about.

Supporting Children at the JHM Home

The children at the JHM home continue to benefit from a safe, comfortable and secure place to live.

The modern home sits on half an acre of land, providing stability for children who have lost parents or whose families are unable to care for them due to poverty or illness.

Education remains a major priority.

• 14 children are living at the centre and attending primary school.

• 10 children have completed their final year of secondary education.

• Three young people are attending university.

• Nine have progressed to college.

• George and Fednard have completed their college courses and are looking for work.

BBK continues to fund accommodation and education for young people studying away from the centre.

Growing more than food

The land surrounding the home is producing crops and fruit, providing food for the children as well as produce that can be sold.

This year, BBK purchased an additional half-acre of land nearby to expand food production.

It's a practical step towards greater self-sufficiency.

We've also extended support into the surrounding community, helping six additional children from three families with school fees, uniforms and food.

Barani Primary School — Making School Life Better

It's been another busy year at Barani Primary School, where BBK team coordinator Betty continues to do a fantastic job coordinating BBK's support.

Over 200 new school uniforms!

BBK provided funding for school uniforms for more than 200 children from families who would otherwise struggle to afford them.

A school uniform might seem like a small thing, but it helps children feel included, confident and ready to learn.

We've also helped provide school shoes, clothing, underwear, toiletries, educational equipment, food and school fees.

Supporting girls at school

An important part of our work has been providing reusable sanitary products to girls who need them.

Volunteer Caroline, has been arranging supplies through a Kenyan manufacturer, PadMad, with parcels delivered to Betty for distribution alongside underwear and soap.

Betty also provides guidance on how to use and care for the products.

This is a practical initiative that supports girls' comfort, dignity and ability to participate in school.

We hope to expand the programme and encourage local production in the future.

Fourteen school toilets repaired

One of the year's most practical achievements was the repair of 14 toilets at Barani Primary School.

Safe, functioning toilets are an essential part of a healthy school environment, and we're pleased to have helped improve these facilities for the children.

Help beyond the classroom

Betty's work doesn't stop at the school gates.

She also helps coordinate medical care for people who cannot afford treatment, while BBK provides rent for two families facing extreme hardship.

Individual children continue to receive food, clothing and other essentials whenever needed.

Education — Watching Young People Succeed

One of the most rewarding parts of BBK's work is seeing children we've supported for years grow into young adults, complete their education and start planning their futures.

This year brought some wonderful milestones.

Jumaa has graduated with an engineering degree and is now seeking employment.

Hatson is in his third year studying for a BA in Education at St. Paul's University in Nairobi.

Thomas began his university studies in January 2025.

James started an engineering course at college in Mombasa in 2025 and is expected to finish in October 2026.

For young people who have faced significant financial and personal challenges, these achievements mean a great deal.

Our commitment doesn't end when a child finishes primary or secondary school. Wherever possible, we want to help them gain the skills, qualifications and confidence to build independent lives.

Healthcare and Personal Support

Not all of BBK's work fits neatly into a project. Sometimes, an individual needs help with something that can make an enormous difference to their everyday life.

Mercy — Growing in confidence

BBK continues to support Mercy by providing replacement prosthetic legs as she grows.

Mercy also helps Mary at Gates of Joy make school uniforms using a sewing machine.

It's lovely to see her developing practical skills while helping other children.

George — A long road to recovery

Following a serious electrocution accident in February 2025, George required extensive hospital treatment.

BBK has covered his medical costs, which have been substantial.

Thankfully, his head and back have recovered well, although his badly burnt hands continue to require treatment.

We hope his recovery continues and that he will eventually be able to return to work and support his family.

Helping families through difficult times

BBK has increasingly been supporting entire families as well as individual children.

Approximately six families are currently receiving help with a combination of rent, food, clothing and school fees.

These are often families facing circumstances that make everyday life extremely difficult. A little timely assistance can make a meaningful difference.

Looking Ahead — Homes for Families in Barani

One of our most exciting new projects is taking shape in Barani Village.

BBK has purchased a plot of land with the aim of building four terraced bungalows for families living in extremely difficult circumstances.

Safe housing offers more than shelter. It provides security, privacy, dignity and the stability families need to plan for the future.

We look forward to sharing more news as this project develops.

Thank You — You Make It Possible

When we look back over the year, it's easy to focus on the numbers: 200 school uniforms, 14 repaired toilets, food parcels, university students and families supported.

But behind every number is a person.

A child arriving at school in a smart new uniform.

A student graduating after years of hard work.

A family receiving food when money is tight.

Someone recovering from a serious accident because medical treatment was made possible.

These are the moments that matter.

To our sponsors, donors, trustees, volunteers and the wonderful people working on the ground in Kenya — thank you.

Your generosity, time and commitment allow BBK to continue supporting children and families, not just through immediate difficulties but over many years.

Here's to another year of making a difference, one family, one child and one project at a time.

Team Books and Bread for Kenya (BBK)