Child Sponsorship

Growing up in the vast plains of Kajiado County, young Joseph Ole Lenku spent his days herding goats and cows. His childhood was defined by the rhythms of pastoral life, where tending to livestock was a way of life.

Amidst the expansive landscapes and traditional Maasai practices, access to modern education was a distant dream for many, including Lenku. “Us Maasai were among the last communities to accept modern education in Kenya. In fact, my father allowed me to go to school only because someone else (ChildFund) would pay my fee and upkeep,” recalls Hon. Joseph Ole Lenku.

But for Ole Lenku, the path to a brighter future began with an opportunity that would change his life forever—ChildFund’s sponsorship program.

Hope in Maasai land

In the early 1970s, ChildFund arrived in Kajiado, bringing with it a sponsorship program aimed at transforming the lives of vulnerable children in the community. The program provided more than just financial support; it offered a chance for children to pursue education, gain life skills, and grow in safe and nurturing environments. Ole Lenku was one of the first beneficiaries of this initiative. Sponsored by a compassionate donor from abroad, he was able to access quality education and healthcare services, which were out of reach for many children in his community.

“I remember receiving my first letter from my sponsor,” recalls Governor Lenku. “It was more than just a letter; it was a symbol of hope, a promise that someone cared about my future.”

Education as a pathway to leadership

With the support of ChildFund’s sponsorship program, Ole Lenku attended primary and secondary school, where he excelled academically. He was an eager learner, driven by a desire to bring positive change to his community. His sponsors’ letters, filled with words of encouragement, fueled his ambition and inspired him to dream beyond the constraints of his environment.

The financial support from ChildFund covered his school fees, uniforms, and learning materials, and general upkeep, allowing him to focus on his studies. He went on to attend the prestigious Utalii College, where he pursued a degree in Hotel Management. With education as his stepping stone, Ole Lenku developed a keen interest in leadership and governance, recognizing the importance of inclusive development and community-centered policies.

Rising to Leadership

After his university education, Ole Lenku’s career took off as he ventured into public administration and later served as Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Coordination of National Government. Throughout his career, he remained deeply connected to his roots in Kajiado. His experiences growing up in a community supported by ChildFund shaped his vision of leadership—one focused on social equity, community empowerment, and sustainable development.

In 2017, Joseph Ole Lenku was elected as the Governor of Kajiado County. His journey from a sponsored child to a renowned leader shows the transformative impact of ChildFund’s sponsorship program. Under his leadership, Kajiado has seen remarkable progress in education, healthcare, water access, and infrastructure development.

Transforming Kajiado through compassion and vision

Governor Ole Lenku’s administration has prioritized education by improving school infrastructure, increasing access to learning materials, school feeding programs and financing livelihood progams. He is passionate about replicating the opportunities he received, ensuring every child in Kajiado has access to quality education and healthcare.