Faithful Giving: A Journey of Catholic Philanthropy and Impact

This is my journey towards philanthropy, from childhood influences to real-life giving. I hope to inspire others to embrace generosity and explore how we can make meaningful contributions to society.

Growing Up
My parents in Kenya are retired primary school teachers, and we lived in the teachers' quarters within the school compound. In the 1990s, teachers played a much bigger role in their communities than just classroom instruction. My father, in particular, was widely respected, often called upon to mediate disputes.

One vivid memory stands out: three gentlemen once approached him with a dispute over a payment of KES 500 for a manual job they had completed. Being illiterate, they struggled to divide the money among themselves. My father, known as a math teacher, helped them resolve the issue fairly. It was through such acts that he earned immense respect. So much so that he was even allowed to keep cattle within the school compound and sell milk like other community farmers. Witnessing his kindness and wisdom deeply inspired me, planting the first seeds of philanthropy in my heart.

Lessons from School and University
As I transitioned into high school, my goals were straightforward: earn a degree, get a good job, make money, and live a happy life. However, I quickly realized that challenges were an inevitable part of the journey. Boarding school was my first real test of independence, and I endured harassment and strikes, leading to an uncertain academic path. By the grace of God, I made it to university, where life presented even more struggles.

Despite academic challenges, university offered me something invaluable—my involvement in the Catholic club. It was here that I truly embraced philanthropy. We regularly pooled funds and visited orphanages, homes for the elderly, and the sick. The joy I felt in giving was profound, reinforcing my belief that true fulfillment comes from helping others. This realization amplified my vision: I needed to make enough money not just for myself, but to serve others meaningfully.

Early Career and Family Life
My career took off immediately after graduation. Though my earnings were modest, careful planning allowed me to lead a simple yet fulfilling life. Marriage introduced new responsibilities, but my wife, whom I met through the Catholic club, shared my passion for giving. Despite career hurdles, we remained committed to philanthropy. Beckie, my wife, once personally pooled funds from friends for the construction of a facility for a disabled person in her rural village. She made our family proud, and we always cherish her. Our university charity club remains active today. After leaving school, almost 15 years ago, the alumini evolved into an annual tradition that continues to this day.

Giving Back in a Bigger Way
In early 2025, my brother and I surprised our uncle with a fully installed solar pump, ensuring it was operational with the help of a technician. For years, he had struggled with a manual pulley system to draw water from his deep borehole. He dreamt of a solar pump but was discouraged by exaggerated costs. Instead of simply advising him, we took it upon ourselves to acquire all the necessary equipment and oversee the installation. Witnessing his joy that day reaffirmed my belief that true happiness comes from giving.

The Path Forward
Reflecting on my philanthropic journey, I have set aside a portion of my monthly earnings for charitable projects. I constantly ask myself: Why do I work? The answer is clear—to create a positive impact in people’s lives.

However, I recognize that making a meaningful impact requires more than personal contributions. To scale my efforts, I need mentorship, international collaboration, and structured philanthropic initiatives. I aspire to connect with global philanthropists, learn from their experiences, and bring sustainable solutions to communities in Kenya.

The Next Chapter
The question remains: How do I take my philanthropic work to the next level? I seek to build relationships with like-minded individuals and organizations dedicated to creating lasting change. By sharing my story, I hope to attract mentors, gain insights into international philanthropic activities, and ultimately expand my impact beyond personal giving to large-scale, community-driven solutions.

A Catholic Perspective on Philanthropy
My faith has been a cornerstone of my philanthropic journey. The teachings of Christ emphasize selfless giving and service to others. In Matthew 25:35-36, Jesus speaks of feeding the hungry, welcoming strangers, and caring for the sick. These teachings inspire me to integrate my faith into my charitable efforts, ensuring that every act of giving is driven by love, humility, and the desire to glorify God.

Through prayer and discernment, I seek to align my philanthropy with Catholic social teachings, emphasizing human dignity, solidarity, and the preferential option for the poor. True giving is not just about material donations—it is about creating hope, restoring dignity, and fostering sustainable change.

As I embark on this journey, I invite like-minded individuals to walk with me in faith and action. I am open to guidance, collaboration, and mentorship to help turn my vision into a lasting legacy of service.