In 2024, the EJ Rihoy Charitable Trust launched a partnership with the David Mahungu Leadership Foundation (DMLF), a Kenyan organisation dedicated to empowering young leaders from marginalised communities. As the partnership becomes the Trust’s primary overseas focus, its impact is already being seen through the personal journeys of DMLF scholars.
FRIDAH NAFULA WAMUKOTA
Fridah graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education from the Presbyterian University of East Africa reflecting a journey of perseverance and growth. Fridah is the second born in a family of four girls. She moved to Nanyuki to live with her mother, who worked as a casual laborer, which led to her selection for the DMLF scholarship, leadership, and mentorship programme.
After graduation, Fridah joined the Nanyuki Furaha Foundation, a school and rescue centre for street-connected children aged 2 to 17 years. She is a teacher in the kindergarten section. As Fridah moves forward, she is committed to nurturing young learners and utilising her skills to create lasting, positive change within her community.
Fridah shared, “This achievement is not merely a personal success. It is a symbol of hope and the transformative power of community support.”
STEPHEN LOSHORUA MASIKONDE
Stephen graduated with a Bachelor of Education (Arts) from Pioneer International University. When financial challenges threatened to derail his education, support from DMLF enabled him to continue and successfully complete his degree.
An orphan, Stephen is the firstborn in a family of three brothers born to a single mother in the pastoralist community of Laikipia County. The brothers were raised by and live with their grandmother.
After completing his university studies, Stephen was offered a teaching position at the Ulauli Mission Centre in Marsabit County, in Northern Kenya. He teaches in a night school that caters for pastoralist children ages 5-14 who have never attended mainstream day school because their primary community role is herding livestock by day. He also teaches adults during his lunch break.
Stephen shared, “My graduation is a testament to the transformative power of education,” highlighting his commitment to carrying this legacy forward by supporting community literacy needs and future leaders in Kenya.
PAUL KARIUKI MWANGI
Paul graduated with a BSc in Animal Science from Chuka University, and he credits the DMLF with providing more than just tuition support. Paul said, “The scholarship gave me stability, opened doors to mentorship, and instilled in me the confidence to lead.” He participated in the Foundation’s leadership forums and now looks to build capacity and serve others with purpose.
Paul, who was brought up by his paternal grandmother after his parents’ separation, has secured temporary work in Nairobi with a private entity that handles, packages, and distributes beef products.
By 2030, the DMLF aims to support 500 young leaders across Kenya. The partnership’s ambition is grounded in the values of education, leadership, and service, empowering young people to learn, lead, and ultimately reinvest those opportunities back into their communities.
The EJ Rihoy Charitable Trust remains committed to long term transformation, investing not just in education, but in future leaders across Kenya.