Leading with Mercy: Ruben Centre Sets the Tone for 2026
We conducted our first departmental heads meeting of the year, led by our Director, Liz Mwangi, and attended by various project coordinators. Liz began with an introspective reflection drawn from the Gospel of John 8:1–11, the story of the woman caught in adultery. In this passage, religious leaders are quick to condemn, yet Jesus pauses and responds with both truth and mercy, saying, “Let the one without sin cast the first stone.”
The Director reminded the leaders present that this scripture speaks directly to our work in Mukuru kwa Reuben. In a community where vulnerability is part of daily life, leadership must be grounded in humility, compassion, and restoration. We are called not to expose faults harshly, but to protect dignity, correct with wisdom, and create spaces where people can grow. Leaders were encouraged to examine themselves before judging others and to balance accountability with mercy. This reflection set the tone for how we are to serve Mukuru throughout the year—with Presence, Compassion, and Liberation at the centre of our work.
Funding and Operational Updates
The Director then addressed key updates on donations and funding. She shared openly that the Centre is currently facing a funding gap of approximately Ksh. 40,000,000 and strongly encouraged every staff member to actively engage in fundraising efforts. She reminded members of the Ruben Centre Grants Policy, which promises a 5 percent commission for any new grants secured for the organization (capped at a maximum of Ksh. 100,000) as a way of motivating innovation and resource mobilization.
She further informed the team that Margaret Kariuki will henceforth oversee and coordinate all donations-in-kind to enhance accountability and efficiency. Emphasizing discipline and professionalism, she urged all staff to observe punctuality and to take collective responsibility for leading reflections and prayers during Centre meetings. Catherine Njuki volunteered to lead the reflection at the next staff meeting.
Importantly, the Director officially announced that Evans Wasike has been contracted to support the Human Resource office. She highlighted that his role will be instrumental in strengthening HR systems, supporting staff welfare, and enhancing organizational structure as the Centre continues to grow.
Finance and Operations
From Finance and Operations, Bernard Kalola welcomed our new Finance Administrator, Roselyn Kabura, and Br. John Mwaura, who will support marketing at the Vocational Training Centre, along with other new staff who have joined various departments at the turn of the year. He appreciated project leaders for successfully completing the Edmund Rice Foundation annual acquittals and requested the submission of first-quarter Direct Implementation Projections (DIPs). He also shared that the 2025 Audit will commence in March.
Departmental Milestones and Challenges
Departmental updates reflected both challenges and milestones:
Health Department: Belinda Kamundi shared that the team has been managing increased patient flow due to ongoing strikes in government hospitals. She announced an upcoming HIV/AIDS testing initiative this Saturday in collaboration with Youth Adventures as part of a Valentine’s outreach. Leaders were encouraged to mobilize beneficiaries to register with the Social Health Authority.
A recent internal memo regarding staff medical care has been an eye-opener. It provides a strategic perspective on how the Centre needs to mobilize the Ksh. 3,000,000 required for annual medical services without compromising the facility’s ability to hit its broader operational targets.
Vocational Training Centre (VTC): Elizabeth Kagwima reported a total enrollment of 68 students, with admissions ongoing. She shared encouraging news from a visit to the Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya (AOSK), who were impressed by two graduates—one of whom is being considered as a "trainer of trainers." Additionally, AOSK pledged to sponsor 15 vocational students.
Education: AEF Ruben Primary & Junior School currently has 3,451 learners, with six new interns joining Junior Secondary and one teacher seconded by Teach for Kenya.
Special Unit: Enrollment stands at 53. Efforts are currently being focused on locating a child who went missing in January while in the custody of their parents.
Advocacy & IT: The Advocacy department plans to begin activities focused on resolving teenage pregnancy and child safeguarding. The IT Department provided updates on asset management, reminding departments to formally document any new assets.
Communications: On the rebranding process, it was shared that while awaiting further direction, progress has been made in updating internal documents and social media platforms with the new brand kit.
Whilst the year started on a very high note by welcoming various corporates, international guests, and potential partners, the February staff meeting concluded with all members feeling energized and ready to continue changing lives in Mukuru.
By: Ben Kagwima
Edits: Gregory Barake
Photos: John Kiarie
