Our Story

It began with a single visit.

We never set out to start a foundation. We set out to spend a day with children who needed company — and we never quite left.

Our journey started simply. One visit to a children's home, to serve and spend time with the children. But something happened in that room that we didn't expect — our hearts bonded, not only with the children, but with each other, around a shared sense of calling. What began as a visit quietly became a vision.

Over the past four years, we've kept going back — to children's homes across Kenya, offering our time, our resources, and our presence in whatever way we could. And the more we showed up, the clearer something became.

"Most help arrives once, then disappears. We wanted to be the people who stayed."

We saw generous people bring food and clothes and donations — real kindness — but rarely the kind of help that continues through a child's whole growing up. Few of these children had a long-term champion: someone who would still be there next year, and the year after. That gap is the reason UtuRise exists.

Utu.

noun — our shared humanity. The belief that every person, no matter their circumstances, deserves dignity, opportunity, and the chance to rise. It's the word we built everything on.

The Road So Far

From visits to a vision

Where it began · ~2022

The first visit

A single trip to a children's home. We came to give a little; we left changed, and certain we'd be back.

The years since

Visits become a rhythm

Three and more homes supported across Kenya — Nakuru, Kakamega and Nairobi — with food, clothing, school supplies, and time spent simply being present.

May 2025

A full day in Kakamega

Seven of us spent a whole day at Grace Alliance Ministry Children's Home — washing, cooking, talking, mentoring. The day that showed us what staying really looks like. Read the report →

Today

UtuRise takes shape

We formed UtuRise as the home for this work — and as an open, transparent record of every visit, every shilling, and every step.

What's next

The long walk

We're beginning long-term sponsorship of a small group of children — and dreaming, as God guides, toward a children's home of our own.

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We believe that through service, learning, and faithful commitment, UtuRise will grow into a place where children don't just find shelter — they find home. We're not in a hurry to look big. We're determined to be faithful, one child at a time.

Kennedy & Dorcas

Founders, UtuRise Foundation

What We Stand For

The values that keep us steady

Dignity

Every child is treated as a person of worth — never a project. We protect their privacy and their pride.

Continuity

We come back. The point isn't a single gift, but a relationship that lasts through a child's whole journey.

Presence

We don't just send things — we show up. Time, listening, and mentorship matter as much as material support.

Transparency

We account for every shilling and document every visit, openly. Trust is something we earn in public.

Walk this road with us.

Sponsorship, prayer, partnership, or simply showing up — there's a place for you in this story.

Get Involved