Our History

The NLHT Journey
1994 New Life Home Trust is founded in Loresho, Nairobi. Three babies are rescued. Eighteen children in care by year-end.
1995 Seven babies rescued in a single operation. First full-time night nurse employed.
1996 The babies survive and thrive. Decision made to grow into a permanent home, not a hospice.
1997 Search begins for a permanent property.
1998 NLHT obtains legal status in Kenya. The Kilimani property in Nairobi is acquired through a donation.
1999 NLHT moves to Kilimani on 14th February. Incorporated as a Trust. First Board of Trustees meeting held.
2000 NLHT Kisumu opens on 15th December. First baby rescued. Prisca Ondeche becomes the first staff member.
2001 Lamu Island Day Centre and School opened to serve underprivileged children in Lamu County.
2002 Borehole drilled at the Kilimani home, resolving years of unpredictable water supply.
2003 First family unit, The Ark, established near the Kilimani home for older children in care.
2004 Partnership formed with Amani Children's Foundation (ACF) USA. The Kisumu Amani Cottage is later named in their honour.
2005 NLHT Nakuru Home opens with capacity for 35 children.
2006 Homes opened in Mombasa and Nyeri through donated properties.
2007 Construction of the Amani Cottage for children with special needs begins at NLHT Kisumu.
2008 Kericho Children's Village opens. First children with special needs transferred to NLHT Kisumu.
2009 Kericho Children's Village closed following post-election civil unrest. Children moved to Nakuru.
2010 NLHT Mombasa closed due to funding challenges. Children transferred to other homes.
2011 Foster Care programme introduced. Two rescue vans purchased for Nakuru and Kisumu homes.
2012 Local Advisory Committees established across all four homes. NLHT Madogo Garissa Centre officially opens.
2013 Board of Trustees renewed. Construction of dedicated Amani Cottage unit begins at NLHT Kisumu.
2014 Dr Janet Mutinda appointed National Director. Clive and Mary officially open the Amani Cottage, now hosting up to 20 children with special needs.
2015 Lamu Centre closed due to funding and security challenges. NLHT Nyeri holds first charity walk, raising over KSh 400,000.
2016 A toddler travels to the USA for cochlear implant surgery, fully funded by NLHT friends and volunteers. NLHT launches social media platforms.
2017 New house purchased for Bethel boys in Kisumu as the home grows.
2018 John and Prisca Ondeche retire after 17 years of service at NLHT Kisumu, having overseen 617 children.
2023 Co-Founders Clive and Mary Beckenham awarded MBEs by King Charles III for their service to children in Kenya.
Today Four homes across Kenya. Over 2,700 children cared for since 1994. The work continues.

32 years on

Clive and Mary retired from active duty around seven years ago. In 2023, King Charles III awarded them both MBEs for their service to children in Kenya. They remain on the NLHT Board to this day.

New Life Home Trust now operates four homes across Kenya and has cared for over 2,700 children since 1994.