AMREF Flying Doctors Inspire Resilience and Renewal at Mutuya Comprehensive School
AMREF Flying Doctors officials and partners seal the commitment for the construction of a new classroom block at Mutuya Comprehensive School on Friday, January 30, 2026.
AMREF Flying Doctors has on Friday officially launched a Community Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative themed “Healing Beyond Tragedy” at Mutuya Comprehensive School in Mwihoko, Kiambu County. The initiative, focuses on constructing a new classroom block and seek to provide substantial support to a community still recovering from the Outcome of the August 7, 2025 Plane Crash at Mwihoko.
The signing ceremony was graced by school management, learners, parents, local leaders, government officials and 27 partners including Red Cross, AMREF university, Nairobi hospital and Eco Bank. Activities went beyond construction and included free medical outreach, psychosocial support, and environmental restoration, reflecting AMREF’s combined approach to community development.
Kiambu County Director of Education, Mr. Simon Wanjohi, speaking about the school’s remarkable growth and the urgent need for additional infrastructure to meet rising enrolment. He detailed how, since it’s founding in 2021, the school had grown to accommodate more than 1,500 learners and was now enrolling its first Grade 9 cohort under the Competency-Based Curriculum.
“I want to say that Mutuya Comprehensive school is one of the fastest growing institutions, having been initiated in 2021, and now has an enrollment of over 1500 learners” he said emphasizing that the construction of the classroom block would then create room for accommodation of learners
“The classroom block being constructed by AMREF comes at a critical moment,” Wanjohi added. “It will help accommodate growing numbers, provide a safe learning environment, and support Mutuya’s ambition to become an ICT hub for surrounding schools.” he addded
Ruiru MP, Hon. Simon King’ara, reflected on the challenges faced by the community in establishing the school, tracing its history to years of land ownership disputes. He emphasized that safeguarding the land and fostering partnerships were key steps toward ensuring that children could access quality education,
“We have owned the school, as you can see. I know we did break some protocols with the director, but he was able to hold brief for the school, once again, for us to make many people come here, it will be our first ICT center.” King’ara said
He appreciated AMREF’s commitment of coming back after the tragedy something would have been overlooked as often in many scenarios.
“AMREF you have touched our hearts because the accident could have come and go, but you have come not just by word of mouth but have given back to the community who is needy on matters of education”
Reading a speech on behalf of AMREF Flying Doctors’ Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Githinji Gitahi, Jennifer Peng underscored the organization’s long-term commitment to supporting communities affected by tragedy. She framed AMREF’s work not just as charity, but as a strategic investment in the future of affected children and families.
“Our presence here today is our way of honoring the lives lost and our commitment to help rebuild Mwihoko community. What you see here today, the medical outreach, the classrooms we are committed to, the trees that are being planted, is our commitment to rebuild this community.” She said
“Our calling has always been to show up in difficult moments and to remain long after the headlines have faded.” She added
Major Kefa Kihara (Rtd), Director of Flight Operations at AMREF Flying Doctors, acknowledged the deep emotional impact of the Mwihoko plane crash on the school and broader community. He highlighted the lives lost, including a pupil of the school and AMREF colleagues who had dedicated themselves to saving others, and praised the community’s resilience.
“In that tragic accident, we lost Yvonne Massimino, a pupil of this school, and four colleagues who had dedicated their lives to saving others,” Kihara said. “The compassion shown by this community will never be forgotten, and today’s engagement translates that compassion into lasting action.”
Beyond construction, the AMREF programme included free health screenings, psychosocial support, and the distribution of food and clothing. Learners and residents also participated in a tree-planting exercise of 150 trees, demonstrating that environmental stewardship and community health are central to AMREF’s vision.
Ruiru constituency Mp Simon King’ara during the Ground breaking for the classroom block at Mutuya Comprehensive school
“Health and education are inseparable,” Kihara noted. “A healthy child learns better, and strong schools form the foundation of resilient communities.”
The “Healing Beyond Tragedy” initiative which benefited over 2000 community members illustrates how sustained engagement, community solidarity, and government partnership can transform tragedy into meaningful progress. By investing in education, health, and environmental sustainability, AMREF Flying Doctors ensures that the memory of those lost continues to shape a future defined by hope, resilience, and opportunity.
As learners, parents, and officials witnessed the signing ceremony, Mutuya Comprehensive School stood as a living testament to the power of collaboration and the promise that from loss can emerge lasting growth, positioning the school to thrive for generations to come. In the face of tragedy, we are reminded that resilience, courage, and hope can light the path forward.
