About Us

YWAM Athi River

About Us

Located 45 km away from Nairobi, along the Mombasa Road and near Machakos, Athi River Base presents a rural, yet culturally diverse mission experience.

A handful of full-time staff man the base, whose Acacia-friendly environs are also home to birds, wildebeest, antelope and giraffe.

Presenting a basic lifestyle, Athi River Base would be the ideal get-away to facilitate your mission experience.

We are part of the YWAM Global Family

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Our Common Purpose?
“To Know God And To Make Him Known”

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EST.

Youth With A Mission (YWAM)  is a global movement of Christians from many cultures, age groups, and Christian traditions, dedicated to serving Jesus throughout the world.

History of YWAM Athi River

The story starts in 1992 when the first African-based LTS (Leadership Training School) was held in Nairobi…

What Guides Athi River Base In Its Activity?

OUR MISSION

We are called to evangelize, disciple and train people of all backgrounds, ethnic groups, ages and gender.

We believe we have a major part to play in reaching the children and youth in this area and beyond. In doing these we are fulfilling the great commission.

OUR VISION

We are pioneering strategic ministries in Kenya and partnering with the local and international Body of Christ to train and disciple potential missionaries to reach the lost with the Gospel, and to serve the poor and needy through acts of love and mercy.

OUR GOAL

We are doing all this so that…

  • People who differ in education, temperaments and gifts, from all walks of life discover and are released into their God – given potential and calling.
  • The unreached people groups hear the Gospel and have access to a local church.
  • Our development projects would impact communities in a holistic manner.
  • The Body of Christ could be actively involved in mission work.
  • Families could be involved in mission work.
  • Skilled men and women of integrity and of biblical moral standards bring a significant change in society.

Declare Christ
Disciple the Believers
Develop the Community

Base
Ministries

There are several ministries at our base.
We welcome you to explore what God would have you do with us in them, be it through prayer, partnership, finance, or volunteering.

TUMAINI ACADEMY

The Preschool is named Tumaini Academy.
Tumaini means hope in Swahili.

Presently, we have one qualified teacher handling the three classes: Baby, Nursery, and Pre-unit.

A couple of Base staff are also by the teacher’s side.
Visiting teams & volunteers also get in on the action when around.

LOVE DISABILITIES

This ministry reaches out to people with disabilities, physically and mentally.

Unfortunately, many people with disabilities in Kenya are still stigmatised and neglected. In 2015, God placed a burden on our hearts to reach out to these people and help them in any way possible.

Our aim is to bring hope and to brighten the future of people with disabilities through physical, spiritual & social empowerment.

OPERATION ANDREW

John 1:40-41 inspires our evangelistic activity.

Being located only 3 miles away from a major truck stop where bars and prostitutes are many, proclaiming the gospel & demonstration of God’s love to our local community is a must.

CHILD SPONSORSHIP

This ministry reaches out to children and youth by supporting them in their education.

UNREACHED TRIBES

Some want to live within the sound of a church or chapel bell. The great commission in Matthew 28:19 is to “Go“.  We must be global Christians because our God is global.

In this ministry we bring the Good News to unreached people groups in Kenya, specifically the Pokot and Isiolo tribes.

Wanna join the fray ?

FIND OUT HOW YOU MAY!​

Wanna join the fray ?

FIND OUT HOW YOU MAY!​

Meet Our Staff

Would you believe it if you heard that the population of Acacia trees on the Base property could outnumber the humans’ by 10:1?

Well, despite the odds, this resilient species of God’s creation is pressing hard to subdue this terrain.

Now therefore, we present you some of those to whom reference is made whenever “we” or “us” is used in our lingo.

The Barazas

Kenyan

We came to Athi River Base in September 2004.

You can get in touch with us

The Chos

South Korea
Petro & Grace
We have been in Campus Ministry with YWAM Korea since 2002.
Currently we are preparing to pioneer campus ministry with YWAM Athi River Base.
We are now learning Swahili because we want to understand and learn more about Kenya.
We expect Kenyan students to be trained as disciples of Jesus who change Kenya and the nations.
 
Please pray for my family and pioneering campus ministry.

The Keas

Kenyan
Switzerland

We are among the oldies here at Athi River Base.  We have been here since its inception in 1994.

If you have questions or want to talk to us, or encourage us feel free to reach us.

Boniface Madegwa

Kenyan

September 2018 is when I joined Athi River Base.
While here, I mostly work in the kitchen, together with the other members of the team, and the duties will range from cooking & clean-up to splitting firewood.
We can talk more

Rose Mugo

Kenyan

I have been with Athi River Base since 2007.
I serve with the DTS, with the Base in General, and also am involved in sports.
You can get in touch to speak more.

Faith Cherop

Kenyan
I am from the western part of Kenya (kitale) I did my DTS 2016 October and graduated February 2017. I joined Youth With a Mission 23r March 2019 as a staff, I work with the DTS, hospitality /Housekeeping, I love planting flowers around the base.
Am also flexible in helping helping with other jobs whenever I am needed. Working with YWAM it has been awesome journey have grown a lot in every season of my life, I thank God for the assignment he has given me at this season.
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Jack Bell

england
Hi my name is Jack and I’m from England. I joined the ywam athi river staff in June 2022 after completing my dts here in 2019. I mainly serve as a DTS staff but am also involved in other outreach ministries of the base. 
I am passionate about evangelising unreached people in Kenya, particularly in the Northern areas. Feel free to contact me!
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Mwesigwa Moses

Kenyan
Hello, my name is Mwesigwa Moses.  I joined YWAM Athi River in 2022 as DTS staff but am involved in other practical services at the base.  I am interested in media and using it to spread the word of God.

Eric True

uganda
I joined Ywam athi river on 16th may 2022 in the DTS Department.  I am involved in other ministry like  evangelism and practical service around the base.
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Kimberly Johnson

usa
I am an educator trained in The Principle Approach to Christian Education.  I teach Biblical principles at YWAM’s preschool, and also teach sports, reading, and writing from a Christian perspective.  I help with the administration of the preschool and encourage students to be controlled under the poser of the Holy Spirit.  I am also a part of the Base Leadership team, and am an assistant pastor at a local church.
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Rurangirwa Didier

Rwanda
Hello! I am Rurangirwa Didier from Rwanda.  I joined YWAM Athi River in 2022 but am involved in practical work at the base and am interested in Evangelism and a Discipleship movement!

Lacry

romania
My name is Lacry, I am from Romania. 10 years ago I came to Kenya for the first time and served in 2 tribes in Pocot, then I was impressed by the way the pastor shows God’s love for the unchurched people. Since then I have returned 2 more times, and now God has spoken to me that it is time to come for a longer term (as far as He knows).
On my heart are the unchurched peoples with the gospel, the Muslim world, investing in people, discipleship, giving value to people, the health side, helping young people know their gifts, abilities and calling.
I love to sit with people and tell stories so my home is open to you and I invite you for tea or cappuccino. Karibu!!