About Us
A long history of care — and a renewed commitment to family, dignity, and opportunity.
Who We Are
Kenya Children's Homes (KCH) is one of Kenya's oldest children's charities, founded in 1961 as Thomas Barnardo House in Nairobi. What began as a children's home has grown into an education-focused organisation supporting vulnerable children from early schooling through to university.
Today, KCH provides care, mentorship and educational support to hundreds of children, reaching up to 400 children across Kenya each year through sponsorships, scholarships and community programmes.
Our work is led by a dedicated Kenyan team of teachers, social workers, and professionals committed to transforming the lives of orphaned, destitute and disadvantaged children by giving them the opportunity, support and confidence to build brighter futures.
Our Story
Kenya Children's Homes traces its roots back to 1961, when it was established as Thomas Barnardo House in Nairobi. At its heart was a simple but powerful mission: to provide a safe haven for orphaned, abandoned and vulnerable children offering them not only shelter, but care, stability and hope for a better future. For many years, the home stood as a place of refuge where countless children found protection and a sense of belonging.
A significant turning point came in 2002 with the establishment of Kenya Children's Homes UK. Taking over the management of the former Thomas Barnardo House, KCH UK worked closely with the Board of Governors in Kenya to strengthen and expand the organisation's vision. What began as a single home in Nairobi steadily grew into a broader movement, reaching children in diverse and often challenging circumstances across the country.
As the needs of children evolved, so too did the organisation. Changes in national policy, particularly the introduction of the Children's Act 2022, marked a shift away from the institutionalisation of children and emphasised the importance of family-based care. Kenya Children's Homes embraced this transformation wholeheartedly. Over time, its work expanded beyond residential care to include education, child sponsorship, rescue interventions, reintegration programmes and holistic family support ensuring that children are not only protected, but also nurtured within supportive communities.
For 23 years, KCH UK provided invaluable financial and management support, playing a critical role in building a strong and sustainable foundation. At the end of 2025, after more than two decades of dedicated partnership, KCH UK formally handed over full leadership of the organisation to the Kenyan Board. In doing so, they left behind a resilient model designed to thrive long into the future an enduring legacy for which we remain deeply grateful.
Today, Kenya Children's Homes stands as a fully Kenyan-led organisation, guided by renewed local stewardship and a steadfast commitment to every child's dignity, belonging and future. Our focus continues to centre on supporting orphaned, destitute, and vulnerable children across the country primarily through education sponsorships and scholarships that open doors to opportunity and transform lives.
As we look ahead, our mission remains clear: To provide comprehensive care, education and support to orphaned and vulnerable children, empowering them to reach their full potential and become contributing members of society.
Milestones
A few moments that shaped the organisation we are today.
Thomas Barnardo House established in Nairobi.
KCH UK established to support growth and management.
Soila Maasai Girls Centre opened in Suswa.
Kibera Sponsorship Programme launched.
Leadership formally handed over to the Board.
Impact in Numbers
The scale of support reflects decades of steady work.
Children cared for over the years
Children supported each year
Girls supported at Soila yearly
Children reached through Kibera since 2007
Children in Butterfly Support
Our Mission
To provide comprehensive care, education and support to orphaned and vulnerable children, empowering them to reach their full potential and become contributing members of society.
Our Vision
A Kenya where every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to love, protection, education and the opportunity to thrive and shape their own future.
Our Values
The core beliefs that guide everything we do.
Child-Centred Care
We place the best interests, dignity and wellbeing of every child at the heart of all we do.
Compassion
We respond to every child with kindness, empathy and genuine care.
Integrity
We act with honesty, transparency and accountability in all we do.
Empowerment
We support children to grow in confidence, gain skills and build brighter futures.
Excellence
We strive for the highest standards in care, education, and service delivery.
Testimonials
Dedicated to transforming children's lives
"We are helping the needy children for the betterment of their tomorrow."
— Maintenance Person
"Our goal is to see that every child in every situation gets the best care from KCH."
— Social Worker
"My social responsibility in society is achieved in working with others to help the children. I want to ensure that my work is productive to enhance the running of the home and make the children happy and comfortable."
— Bakery Supervisor
"This program rescued me from early marriage and pregnancy. My life has changed since I joined the program. I really think that this is the best place somebody can ever grow from."
— Lucy, 15 years, Soila
Join Our Mission
Partner with us to transform the lives of Kenya's children.