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
Our Common Purpose?
“To Know God And To Make Him Known”
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.
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
We came to Athi River Base in September 2004.
I became part of the Base leadership in 2008, and became Base Leader in 2011.
I’m also a member of Operation Andrew, while having oversight over all the other Base ministries.
She became part of the staff in 2005, after her DTS on this same Base.
She has led the Laboiyet and Child Sponsorship ministry since 2009.
She also oversees the preschool (YWAM Tumaini Academy)
You can get in touch with us
The Chos
The Keas
We are among the oldies here at Athi River Base. We have been here since its inception in 1994.
I, Ismail handle most immigration matters and attend to other legal matters, trying to have YWAM Kenya aligned with ever changing government requirements.
I am also leading worship at the base and sometimes in the DTS. When need arises I do simple plumbing.
I, Karin, have been doing almost everything over the last 24 years except splitting firewood.
I handle DTS communication & also am an occasional part-time staff with them.
I am part of the admin team though working in the background; being the milk production statistician for our Cow Project, and also being involved with the Base WiFi coverage service.
If you have questions or want to talk to us, or encourage us feel free to reach us.
Boniface Madegwa
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
Faith Cherop
Jack Bell
Mwesigwa Moses
Eric True
Kimberly Johnson
Rurangirwa Didier
Lacry
