The George Kabau Foundation is a non-political charitable Trust registered in Kenya whose objectives include, but are not limited to the following community development initiatives:
The Foundation values partnerships and collaborations with other organizations and the local community in the promotion and realization of the above stated objectives.
The Foundation was established in memory and honour of George kabau, who, until his tragic demise at the of 29 years on the nasty morning of 10 March 2019, aboard the ill-fated Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET 302 in Bishoftu, Ethiopia, had lived a remarkable life. The Foundation was set up as an initiative of ensuring that some of the ideals and aspiration of George may be kept going, and thus keep alive his legacy. Thoughtfulness, authenticity and focus were some of the defining aspects of George’s remarkable personality that had significantly contributed to his budding professional life, and which offered much promise.
From the time George joined the Kindergarten at Kahuru Primary School, it was apparent that he had abundant academic potential and discipline that would, years later, culminate in his admission at the University of Nairobi to pursue Electrical and Electronics Engineering. From an early age, he naturally preferred physical tasks, and loved working with machines, and so his choice of Engineering was natural. George was passionate about his work at GE Healthcare (East Africa). In its tribute, GE Healthcare noted that George ‘will be remembered as one of the best young Engineers with a keen eye for details – no loose ends’.
At the time of his demise, George worked as a Field Engineer at the GE Healthcare Division based in Nairobi, Kenya, but providing services to other African states. At GE, George was charged with the responsibility of saving lives by installing and servicing essential medical equipment. He was particularly tasked with the responsibility of installation and servicing advanced x-ray systems, and covered East and West Africa including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Nigeria and Ghana.
George had concern for the progress of the community where he was grew up at heart. While his work entailed constant travel to various parts of Kenya and African countries, he always had time for community activities at Muti-Ini, Kahuru Scheme, Kinangop. Interested in entrepreneurship beyond formal employment, he focused on establishing his ‘side hustles’ at Kinangop. It is in that context that he had recently purchased a truck and set up a thriving construction material supply business in Kinangop. He had made progress toward commencement of flower farming in the latter part of 2019 before the tragedy struck. Concerned about the plight of financially challenged students in his community, George was already sponsoring a needy high school student with shopping and pocket money to enable him have a more comfortable schooling experience.
Of all things about George, one thing was certain and undisputed - his liking for Kinangop Plateau and the nearby Aberdare Park. George grew up in the farmlands of the expansive Kinangop Plateau that has the charming rolling ranges of the Aberdare marking half its frontiers. His holidays, and weekends whenever in Kenya, were predictably spent in Kinangop, particularly at his parents’ home. One of his favourite hangouts was a drive through the Aberdare Park to visit and enjoy the scenic waterfalls, the wildlife and the high altitude moorland.
Outside of his professional life, George had a passion for bee keeping. He had already established beehives at his parents’ home in Kinangop, which he meticulously nurtured. It may never be clear why George had such liking for bee keeping, an interest that he never really explained apart from casually stating that the buzzing creatures required minimal husbandry, and that he could always find market for honey. Nonetheless, it may seem that George’s beekeeping culture was natural and in tandem with his duties at GE Healthcare, which involved the saving of lives through the installation and servicing of essential medical equipment. We are constantly reminded that bees are one of the worlds’ vital heritage, and that their pollination keeps the cycle of life turning. They are the pillar of the food chain, by sustaining plant varieties and diversity through pollination, which in turn provides sustenance to human and animal life. We are cautioned that ‘a world without bees could struggle to sustain the global human population’ (BBC Future, ‘What would happen if bees went extinct?’). Given those realities, George had nurtured a commendable bee keeping culture worth learning from.
Bishop John Kairu is the Bishop and the Founder of the Jesus Revival Centre Ministries, which are headquartered in Engineer Town, Kinangop, Nyandarua County, Kenya. He is a holder of a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Biblical Studies, and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Psychology and Counselling.
At work, Bishop Kairu is charged with the overall responsibility of providing spiritual leadership, guidance, counselling and mentorship to the congregation. He has also commendably been involved in setting up bursary funds at the Jesus Revival Centre Ministries through which he has sponsored orphans and other needy students in high schools and tertiary institutions, with some of the beneficiaries graduating with high honors and becoming respectable members of the society. Bishop Kairu is also involved in the mentorship of the youth in the community especially against drug abuse and other illicit activities.
Eng Wycliffe Kihumba holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Nairobi. He is a Mechanical Engineer and Head of Technical at Dennis Young Limited. He has previously provided engineering consultancy and technical services to diverse entities, including East Kenya Bottlers, Nairobi Bottlers, Colgate Palmolive (East Africa), Midlands, and Firestone East Africa. He has also been involved in mentorship of students in high schools and tertiary institutions, especially those pursuing the demanding engineering course. Wycliffe was George Kabau’s professional mentor and contributed immensely to George’s brief career as an Engineer at GE Healthcare (East Africa). He is a member of the pastoral team of the Anglican Church of Kenya, and by virtue of that membership he has served for over two decades as a Lay Reader (Assistant Pastor) in the Diocese of Machakos, mentoring and offering spiritual guidance to various church congregations.
Pastor Jane Ngacha holds a Bachelors of Education degree from Kenyatta University. As a Pastor of the Jesus Revival Centre Ministries, she has the responsibility of providing spiritual leadership, guidance and mentorship to the congregation. She also works as a Teacher at Mwenda-Andu Secondary School, where she is involved in the mentorship of students against drug abuse and other vices affecting the youth in Kenya.
Emma Kabau is a graduate of Kenyatta University with a Master in Business Administration (Strategic Management) degree, in addition to a Bachelor of Science (Textile & Design) degree. She is a Banker at the Standard Chartered Bank in Nairobi, Kenya. She is also involved in sponsorship and mentorship of needy students in both high schools and tertiary institutions in Kenya.
Francis Kariuki holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and is also a graduate of Kilimambogo Teachers Training College. He is currently the Deputy Head Master of Kanyugi Primary School and has previously worked in other schools in Nyandarua County. Francis is a community mobiliser involved in development activities in the Kahuru-Muti-Ini area.
Dr Tom Kabau holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Public International Law from the University of Hong Kong, and Master of Laws (LLM) and Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degrees from the University of Nairobi. He is also a Partner at the Law Firm of Lesinko, Njoroge & Gathogo Advocates and a Senior Lecturer at the School of Law, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). As a Senior Lecturer at JKUAT, Tom is not only involved in teaching practical skills to the students but is also engaged in their guidance and mentorship.
Stephen Karuri is a retired primary school teacher who is now actively involved in the promotion of education in Kinangop, and has previously worked in other schools in Nyandarua County. Stephen’s mentorship and guidance spans over several decades, with some of his former students having achieved remarkable academic and professional success. At the community level, Stephen is involved in guidance and mentorship of the youth. He has in the past held several leadership positions, including being a Chairperson in the Kahuru-Muti-Ini Self Help Group, in which position he was involved in advocating for and propelling development projects especially those relating to education in the community.
Serah Ndiritu is a primary school teacher at Kahuru Primary School and has previously worked in other schools in Nyandarua County. She has been involved in development activities in the larger Kahuru-Muti-Ini area.
Lydiah Karuri is a retired primary school teacher by training who is now actively involved in the promotion of education in Kinangop, Nyandarua County, and has previously worked in other schools in the region. She is also the current Chairperson of the Kahuru-Muti-Ini Self-Help Group, and has been actively involved in mobilizing community members to undertake development projects. Lydiah is also involved in church leadership and has been a member of the Women’s Guild for over a decade at her local church, where she has mentored and offered guidance to women. She has also, in the past, sponsored needy students especially orphans in high schools and tertiary institutions.
Spur Mall Offices, 3rd Floor, Office No. T09B , Exit 13, Thika Highway | P. O. Box 41461-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
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