About Gioto

Gioto dumpsite in Central Kenya is the main dumpsite for Nakuru City. Over 1000 people of all ages live in and around the dumpsite. Their homes are literally built on or are adjacent to piles of garbage. The dump serves as their main resource for food, clothes, building materials, and income. Both adults and adolescents rummage through the trash to pick out materials of value to sell for less than $1 a day. 

Due to political conflicts, forceful displacement, and extreme poverty, people began seeking refuge in the Gioto in the early 1970’s. In 1994, a loving and selfless couple, local Kenyan Pastors Kennedy & Mary, began serving the Gioto community. Yet, their limitless hearts battle with their limited resources and the community remains with little opportunity and a lot of stigma.

However, the usual travesties that exist anywhere in our world are multiplied without resources and power. This is especially true for the sick, the elderly, women, and the young. It is hard to fathom children playing barefoot amongst needles and rotting food, but it is their daily reality in the Gioto dumpsite.

But that’s not the end of the story. Thanks to the collaboration of the waste-pickers board, Pastor Kennedy, Cabbage & Crayons, and other churches and supporters, many children have been given the opportunity to attend day or boarding school.

While this has been a hopeful endeavor and a good start, barriers such as studying at night in the dumpsite with no electricity, the need to support themselves or their family, and exploitation through drugs and sex, has caused many children to quit school or graduate with little opportunity to go to college successfully. 

This precious community longs for a better chance for their children and for one another. They are grateful to God for the life they are given and would love a chance to thrive. The school project is well needed, researched, and a desired support for their community. 

We have been given the chance to help fan the flame of hope for the Gioto residents. Will you join us?