Wema Centre Trust — Love Never Fails

About Wema Centre Trust · 1993–

A children's home grew into a community.

From a single house in Bamburi to an NGO walking alongside street-connected children, families and entire neighbourhoods across coastal Kenya — this is the story of Wema, and the people who keep it true.

Our story

Mombasa, 1993 — and ever since.

Wema Centre began with one woman, one house, and a refusal to walk past Mombasa's street-connected children. Lucy Yinda opened Wema's doors in 1993, certain of two things: that the children she met deserved dignity, and that love — patient, practical, present — never fails.

What started as a home grew into a programme. School re-entry came first. Then healthcare and rehabilitation for children recovering from substance misuse. Then the slow, demanding work of reuniting children with families ready to receive them — and of standing by those families afterwards.

Over three decades, the question we ask ourselves changed. It used to be “how can we house this child?” Now it is “what does this child need, and which adults — relatives, neighbours, teachers, caregivers — can hold them safely?” That shift is the heart of our 2025–2027 Transitional Strategic Plan: from running a children's home to leading a community-impact NGO that serves children, families and entire neighbourhoods.

Today, Wema works across four pillars — Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Education & Skills, Protection & Care, and Institutional Sustainability — aligned with Kenya's National Reform Care Strategy. We do this work with the children we serve, not for them. And we'll keep doing it for as long as Mombasa needs us.

Our journey

Three decades, in five moments.

Scroll the years

1993

From a single house in Bamburi to a community-impact NGO serving children, families and neighbourhoods across Mombasa.

  1. 1993

    Wema Centre is founded

    Lucy Yinda opens Wema's doors in Bamburi, Mombasa, taking in the city's first street-connected children with the conviction that love never fails.

  2. 2003

    Education expands

    School re-entry, scholarships and tutoring become a cornerstone programme. The first cohort of Wema-supported graduates returns to mentor younger children.

  3. 2015

    Healthcare & rehabilitation

    Wema deepens its work with children recovering from substance misuse — clinical care, counselling and the long road of rehabilitation.

  4. 2020

    Family-first

    Wema aligns with Kenya's National Reform Care Strategy, redesigning programmes around family-based and community-based protection.

  5. 2025

    Transitional Strategic Plan

    Wema launches its 2025–2027 plan — moving from a children's home to a community-impact NGO across four pillars and serving men, women and children alike.

Milestones are based on Wema's public history; specific dates pending final review with the team.

Mission · Vision · Values

What we're for, and how we work.

Mission

To advocate for, rehabilitate and integrate street-connected and vulnerable children through holistic care and support into stable families and communities.

Vision

A society free of street-connected and vulnerable children.

Our values

  • Compassion

    Every individual has the right to dignity and care.

  • Justice

    Fairness, equity, and protection of every vulnerable child's inherent rights.

  • Inclusivity

    Spaces where every individual feels seen, respected, and valued.

  • Respect

    The inherent dignity, worth, and potential of every individual regardless of background.

  • Integrity

    Honesty, transparency, accountability, and ethical behaviour in everything we do.

Lucy Yinda, HSC — Founder of Wema Centre Trust, holding a child

Our founder

Lucy Yinda, HSC.

Founder & Executive Director · Board Secretary, Wema Centre Trust

Lucy started Wema Centre in 1993 with conviction in two short words: love and dignity. Over three decades she has built one of Mombasa's most trusted child-protection organisations and a voice for vulnerable children in Kenyan policy conversations.

Her recognition as a Head of State Commendation (HSC) recipient honours that work — but Lucy will tell you the real honour is the graduates who come back to mentor the next generation of children Wema walks alongside.

“I want to see every child and vulnerable person we reach wearing a smile that reflects hope, dignity, and restored self-worth.”

Lucy Yinda, HSC
Courage is a Calling — Saving Mombasa's Street Children, by Lucy W. Yinda

Her story, in her words

Courage is a Calling

Saving Mombasa's Street Children · by Lucy W. Yinda

The compelling, intriguing story of how this transformative change-maker embarked on a scary and challenging journey to save the street children of Mombasa makes this book exceptional — and, quite frankly, a life-changing read.

Courage is a Calling takes the reader through the meticulous journey of a young woman seeking her purpose, the depth of her faith in what she believes that purpose to be, and the courage to take up the challenge once she finds it. It has the audacity to venture into places often disregarded and “uncomfortable” — and it pulls you in, carrying your yearning all the way to the end.

It reveals the challenges Lucy and her untiring team of staff and volunteers went through to actualise that purpose. While she thought the children would run to her for help, she learns that the children of the streets — even living through desperate situations — do not trust just “any helping hand,” and with good reason.

Street children are not pleasant to look at, let alone to know. This book forces you to dive into the journey alongside Lucy Yinda.

Request a copy

Kshs. 1,950 · all proceeds go towards supporting the Centre.

Lucy Yinda holding Courage is a Calling beside the bestsellers shelf at Nuria Bookstore
Lucy at Nuria Bookstore, where Courage is a Calling is a featured bestseller.
A reader sitting with a copy of Courage is a Calling open in a bookshop
Cover to cover — a reader with Courage is a Calling.

Our story, in motion

Watch the Juma documentary.

A film about the work, the children, and the people who make it possible. Produced by Crimson Communications Ltd.

Film by Crimson Communications Ltd.

Governance

Stewarded by a volunteer board.

Wema's board sets strategy, approves the budget and holds the executive team to account. Members serve without compensation and bring expertise in child protection, education, healthcare, finance and law.

Wema Centre Trust board meeting in session

Meet the board

5 stewards. One mission.

Short bios coming soon

  • Dr. Paul Wangai — Board MemberBoard Member

    Board Member

    Dr. Paul Wangai

    Short bio coming soon.

  • Md. Lucy Yinda, HSC — Board SecretaryBoard Secretary

    Board Secretary

    Md. Lucy Yinda, HSC

    Founder and Executive Director of Wema Centre Trust; sits on the board as Secretary.

  • Ms. Susan Akinyi — Board TreasurerBoard Treasurer

    Board Treasurer

    Ms. Susan Akinyi

    Short bio coming soon.

  • Ms. Janet Middah — Board MemberBoard Member

    Board Member

    Ms. Janet Middah

    Short bio coming soon.

  • Ven. Canon Josphat Murutu — Board MemberBoard Member

    Board Member

    Ven. Canon Josphat Murutu

    Short bio coming soon.

Our team

The people behind the work.

Wema's day-to-day is led by an experienced team spanning programmes, finance, social work, counselling, education, care and vocational training.

Lucy Yinda, HSC — Founder & Executive Director

Leads the organisation

Lucy Yinda, HSC

Founder & Executive Director

Lucy Yinda founded Wema Centre in 1993 and leads it today as Executive Director, carrying responsibility for the organisation's strategy, partnerships and day-to-day operations. A Head of State Commendation (HSC) recipient, she also serves as Secretary to the board — and remains, three decades on, the steadiest presence in the lives of the children Wema walks alongside.

Senior management

Working hand in hand across programmes and finance

  • Eunice Njoroge — Program Coordinator

    Program Coordinator

    Eunice Njoroge

    Eunice Njoroge is the Program Coordinator at Wema Centre Trust, bringing over ten years of experience in child protection, education, vocational skills development, and youth empowerment programming. She leads the planning, coordination, implementation, and reporting of the organization's programs while strengthening partnerships with donors, government agencies, and development partners. Eunice has extensive expertise in project management, proposal development, fundraising, donor engagement, and resource mobilization, and is committed to designing sustainable programs that create lasting opportunities for vulnerable children and young people.

  • Eddy Omondi Ouma — Finance & Administration Manager

    Finance & Administration Manager

    Eddy Omondi Ouma

    Eddy Omondi Ouma is the Finance & Administration Manager at Wema Centre Trust. A Certified Public Accountant of Kenya (CPA-K) with over ten years of experience, he specializes in financial management, budgeting, donor reporting, and organizational administration across both the non-profit and private sectors. Eddy holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) degree from Mount Kenya University and is a member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK). He provides strategic financial leadership, ensuring accountability, compliance, and efficient stewardship of the organization's resources.

Departments & specialists

Leading the day-to-day care, learning and support

  • George Konde — Head of Social Work Department

    Head of Social Work Department

    George Konde

    George Konde is the Head of the Social Work Department at Wema Centre Trust, where he provides strategic leadership for the organization's child protection and family strengthening programs. With extensive experience in supporting vulnerable children, youth, and families, he oversees outreach initiatives, rescue interventions, rehabilitation, and family reintegration services. George works closely with government agencies, community leaders, development partners, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure children receive comprehensive care, protection, education, healthcare, and psychosocial support. Passionate about community transformation, he is committed to strengthening child protection systems and empowering children through sustainable, family-centred solutions.

  • Mugiira Kgomotso — Head of Counselling Department

    Head of Counselling Department

    Mugiira Kgomotso

    Mugiira Kgomotso leads the Counselling Department at Wema Centre Trust, overseeing the provision of psychosocial support services for children and young people in the organization's care. She facilitates individual, group, and family therapy sessions, while designing and implementing psychoeducational programs that promote emotional resilience and mental well-being. Working closely with multidisciplinary teams, Mugiira plays a key role in ensuring every child receives holistic care that supports their psychological and emotional development.

  • Wacuka Ruth — Head of Education Department

    Head of Education Department

    Wacuka Ruth

    Wacuka Ruth is the Head of the Education Department at Wema Centre Trust, where she leads the organization's education support programs for children and young people at all levels of learning. She oversees academic support for learners attending external schools, facilitates remedial education for children preparing to join formal schooling, and provides mentorship and follow-up for students in secondary schools, colleges, and universities. Passionate about education and youth development, Ruth is committed to ensuring every learner has the support and opportunities needed to achieve their full potential.

  • Matilda — Facilitator, Vocational Training — Catering and Food & Beverage

    Facilitator, Vocational Training — Catering and Food & Beverage

    Matilda

  • Susan Sikali — Senior Houseparent

    Senior Houseparent

    Susan Sikali

    Susan Sikali serves as the Senior Houseparent at Wema Centre Trust, overseeing the daily care, safety, and well-being of children living in the residential program. She supervises the team of houseparents while ensuring the smooth operation of the children's home, maintaining high standards of care, health, hygiene, and safeguarding. Susan plays a vital role in creating a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment where children can thrive physically, emotionally, and socially.

  • David Solomon — Sales & Marketing Officer

    Sales & Marketing Officer

    David Solomon

    David Solomon is the Sales & Marketing Officer at Wema Centre Trust, where he leads business development initiatives that support the organization's social enterprise programs. With experience in business-to-business sales, client relationship management, digital marketing, and market development, he works to expand partnerships, generate revenue, and strengthen Wema's market presence. David also oversees marketing campaigns, manages corporate client engagement, and promotes products and services that contribute to the sustainability of the organization's mission.

2025–2027 Transitional Plan

From children's home to community-impact NGO.

Our three-year plan reorganises Wema around four interlocking pillars — each aligned with Kenya's National Reform Care Strategy and shaped by what Mombasa's children, families and partners tell us they need.

  • Healthcare & Rehabilitation Services

    Medical care, addiction recovery and psychosocial support for street-connected children and vulnerable families.

    Programme detail
  • Education & Skills Development

    School re-entry, scholarships, vocational training and mentorship that turn potential into livelihoods.

    Programme detail
  • Safety, Protection & Care Support

    Rescue, safe shelter, child protection and family-based reintegration aligned with Kenya's reform care strategy.

    Programme detail
  • Institutional Development & Sustainability

    Strong governance, ethical partnerships and resilient systems so this work lasts beyond any one season.

    Programme detail
Download the full planPDF — pending final upload from the Wema team.