East of Rift Valley Region
The East of the Rift Valley Region is one of two Regions in Kenya, encompassing all the Convents of the Little Sisters of St. Francis in Nairobi Archdiocese, Nakuru, Meru, Embu, Kitui, Wote, and Machakos Dioceses.
The Regional House is situated in Kasarani on the outskirts of Nairobi city, 3km off the Nairobi – Thika Super Highway and approximately 15 km from the city center. The region is home to 188 Sisters living in 29 communities across 7 Dioceses. We are proud to have one Novitiate in Kenya, namely Our Lady Queen of Angels Bahati Novitiate in Nakuru Diocese.
The administrative office was established during the tenure of the first African Superior General, Sr. Mary Bernadine, in 1972. Amid political tensions between Kenya and Uganda, the vision of Bahati Novitiate in Kenya came to fruition, marking a significant milestone for the region’s growth. The leadership history of the East of the Rift Valley Region includes Sr. Mary Dolorosa (1972–1975), Sr. Redempta Mbaire (1975–1979), Sr. Venantius Munee (1979–1991), and subsequent Regional Superiors since the establishment of regions in 1986.
Current Administration (2020-2021):
- Sr. Alice Wanjiku: Regional Superior
- Sr. Aqullina Mwithi: Vicaress
- Sr. Veronica Mwikali: Council Member
- Sr. Rechael Chepkemoi: Council Member
- Sr. Eunice Wangeci: Council Member
Apostolates: Committed to compassionate outreach to the marginalized, the Little Sisters of St. Francis East of the Rift Valley Region are involved in Health Ministry, Education at various levels, Social and Pastoral Ministry, Hospitality, and Administration. In addition to managing our own institutions, we collaborate with Diocesan offices, institutions, and parishes, as well as governmental bodies.Our pride is the newly constructed Lady Jacoba Rest House, designed for the care of aged, retired, and sick Sisters who have dedicated many years to the Institute. Located on the Nakuru – Nairobi highway, approximately 5 kilometers from Nakuru town, phase one of the facility is complete and operational, with plans to expand to accommodate more Sisters in the near future. We express our deep gratitude for the generosity that has supported the completion of Lady Jacoba; donations can be channeled through the Regional Office, P.O. Box 62676, Nairobi – Kenya.
Education: The Little Sisters operate nursery, primary, and secondary schools, as well as teacher training colleges. We oversee the initial formation of young and junior Sisters and contribute to teaching in seminaries and universities.
Medical: Our Sisters serve in general nursing, midwifery, as registered nurses (RNs), and medical doctors. We train nurses and midwives, operate mobile clinics, dispensaries, and hospitals, and provide specialized care for individuals with leprosy.
Pastoral and Parish Ministry: Engaged in parish ministry as catechists and counselors, we provide comprehensive pastoral support.
Social Work: We care for people with special needs, leprosy victims, orphans, the elderly, the visually impaired, street children, and those affected by HIV/AIDS.
St. Francis Community Hospital: Established in November 2007 and officially launched in January 2009, St. Francis Community Hospital embodies the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, offering specialized care to the urban poor. It has grown from a small dispensary to a Level 5 teaching and referral hospital, serving a diverse population beyond Nairobi County, including Marsabit County. The hospital is equipped with modern facilities, including diagnostic services, operating theaters, a critical care unit, a renal unit, and inpatient and outpatient facilities. It also hosts a nursing school and serves as an internship training center for doctors.
Misyani Help Age Project: Started in 1985 with support from Help Age Kenya and Help Age International, this program meets the basic needs of vulnerable older persons in Kanzalu Parish, Machakos Diocese. It includes Mama Kevina Skills Training Centre, which provides vocational training in tailoring, dressmaking, knitting, embroidery, hairdressing, and beauty therapy.
Refugee Programme: Initiated in 1997, this program supports refugees from Rwanda, Burundi, Congo, Ethiopia, and Eritrea in Nairobi, Kenya. Offering language training in English and Swahili, along with technical skills in garment making, computer applications (ICT), and food and beverage production, the program empowers refugees to seek sustainable livelihoods through employment opportunities.