This was the first site to be established by Maji Mazuri. It is located on a quarter acre plot of land in Kasarani Mwiki, in the outskirts of Nairobi. The center provides a home to over 40 children, who are either mentally or physically handicapped and many of whom are orphaned, usually because of HIV/AIDS. The goal of the project is to rehabilitate the children with special needs and integrate them to normal society. As such the center also provides formal education for children.
The housing facilities consist of the permanent structures and fixtures necessary for the services offered, although not necessarily to the desired standards. The project provides food, accommodation facilities, medical and day care services and has engaged the services of a project manager who is in charge of the day to day running of the program, two special education teachers, a computer trainer, and four project support staff.
To enhance the children skills and abilities and provide them with opportunities for employment, the center offers very well organized training in computer, carpentry and dressmaking. These training services are also available to the public at a subsided fee. Some of the children, who have gone through the center, though with very serious physical handicap, have now been to local universities pursuing formal education. For example, Nicholas Oiko is waiting to join Nairobi University to pursue a degree program in humanities after successfully completing his secondary education at Thika High School. All his financial support was provided by Maji Mazuri.
Although the idea to establish the center is very good and has made a tremendous contribution towards alleviating human suffering among children with very special needs, the rehabilitation strategy does not seem to fit very neatly with other Maji Mazuri activities. This maybe because of management challenges and the type of children admitted at the center. It might be better to target only those physically challenged children can benefit from life skills training. The Government of Kenya recognizes the need to identify, rehabilitate and incorporate children with special needs such as the hard to reach orphans, and the physically and mentally handicapped children unto social programs. To help improve the project the following strategies are recommended.
