Our History

The story of Kenya Kids Ministries is a story of God’s calling and provision, and a story of a man’s dream realized. Jason Brayda, director and founder of Kenya Kids Ministries, was first living and studying in Kenya in 2001-2002. During that time Jason was working with several different organizations that were assisting street children. At one time his very close friend Njoroge, who was a leader at a street boys home, was violently killed, burned to death. And not long after that another friend’s father was murdered. This left him doubting God, broken and angry. After returning to the United States, he still felt lost, there were many things left unreconciled in his heart and mind, and the anger was still there. In May 2003 he returned to Kenya. On his second night back he was mugged, held up at gun-point. This just made the anger and resentment so much worse. During this time he was still working with kids but was unable to love them completely because he couldn’t get over what had happened in the past. It wasn’t until a few months later when a friend of his, after sharing an unbelievable testimony of how she overcame a huge struggle in her life, that he began to think differently. She said that the only way to truly move on after being hurt by others was to forgive them. Forgiveness. To forgive is such a difficult but powerful force. Learning to forgive and let go of his anger, Jason’s heart and compassion for kids became a new and intense reality. He began to see his world in a completely new light.

After leaving Kenya that second time, a seed, a small vision, was planted in his mind. He felt drawn to Kenya, it was part of his life and there was no way the two could be separated. Being back in the states, he finished his degree, and still felt as if he should be back in Kenya doing something. One Sunday during a church service, Casey Morris, director of Guitars For Life, spoke with passion about kids that he was working with. His excitement riled up a greater desire in Jason’s heart to start doing something right away for the kids in Kenya. With Casey’s and his father’s guidance he began the process of making Kenya Kids Ministries a legal Non-Profit Charitable Organization. Since the beginning of this endeavor every step has been God-ordained. The right people have come along at the right times, encouraging, directing and supporting all that was happening. Doors have opened, and things that seemed impossible have worked out with ease.

Kenya Kids Ministries was begun selflessly and humbly and as we walk step-by-step on this path before us, we have faith and are assured that with God’s guidance we will continue to bless, empower, and help those in need here in Kenya.

Our Future

Nelson Mandela once said: “And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” Kenya Kids Ministries strives to be that light. To be an example for all, to live and work for others. Our work is designed to empower children and organizations, to lift them up so that their own light can shine bright and they will be able to change others’ lives. Our mission is not a temporary one. Our foundation is strong and has been established so that we will be a lasting influence.