Since 2019, Xytal has been pleased to support the Akamba Aid Fund, a charity dedicated to supporting the Akamba tribe in eastern Kenya.
These are people who are struggling in some of the hottest and driest areas of our planet. The fund has supported the construction of dams and wells that provide clean water, new classrooms and school buildings providing access to education. It has also supported health centres in order to provide access to healthcare.
Xytal and the AAF
Xytal’s support for the Akamba Aid Fund started in 2019 with a pure cash donation. As we got to know the charity and people within the charity better, we were able to contribute in a more constructive way.
Initially, our focus was supporting the special school in Ngaiee. This is a residential school that grew from 20 students to more than a hundred students with varying disabilities.
In 2020, we contributed to the building of a new ablutions block with its own water reservoir. In 2021, we supported the building of a new kitchen and dining hall, so that the children could eat undercover – no matter the weather. In 2022, we supported the building of a new training workshop, enabling children to graduate from the school with skills that could help them earn a living.
Up until this time, we had always taken the line that it was best if we contributed money and the local experts determined the spend. After much discussion, the AAF trustees convinced us that an on-site visit would be beneficial. So, in 2023 our Chief Executive, Dr Richard More, visited for two weeks.
Richard’s 2023 visit
Initially, Richard’s motivation was to visit the special school he’d heard so much about – an experience he found deeply moving:
“The school is a place of faith, love and devotion to duty. It was a delight to experience first-hand the differences our donations had made.”
Whilst visiting the area, Xytal were accommodated in the medical clinic, and made phenomenally welcome. Working under the direction of AAF’s medical director, Dr James Buckle, we found our way to an operating theatre that had been closed off for many years. Equipment had been donated by local charities, but without a resident anaesthetist and surgeon it had atrophied.
There was now both an enthusiastic surgeon and anaesthetist on hand. Could we do something to renovate this facility?
We therefore deployed classic Xytal skills of root cause analysis and using the wisdom in the room to come up with solutions. Funding was made available via Festival Medical Services, topped up by Xytal. We set up a project plan with the obligatory SMART objectives (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) – some of which actually happened as planned!
We are pleased to say these combined efforts resulted in the medical clinic having a functioning service, able to offer both emergency and elective caesarean sections.
Revisiting in 2024
Richard was pleased to be invited by the trustees to revisit in 2024. Based on his previous visit experience, Richard asked Xytal consultant and consultant midwife, Heather Almond, to join him. Heather’s expert eye on maternity services showed us many opportunities for improvement, should funding be available.
Once again the time came to gather local experts together and plan next steps. This time, the driver diagram was the way forward. We prepared a project plan and a bid for support for equipment purchase from Festival Medical Services. We also proposed to cover the cost of building refurbishments from our own charities budget.
Happily, at a recent visit, AAF’s Dr Buckle attended the formal opening of the new maternity unit, which now provides hot and cold running water, flushing toilets, and privacy for women in labour.
Our work with the Akamba Aid Fund has been phenomenally rewarding, and delivers on Xytal’s promise: “To make the world a healthier and happier place.”
We have had the privilege of meeting some great people, both in the United Kingdom and in Kenya. We have also had the privilege of truly making a difference to many lives, and seeing that positive change in action. These projects really make you think and, in particular, make you count your blessings.
Read more about Xytal’s return mission to the hospital in Kenya in support of the Akamba Aid Fund here.
Join us on our journey
At Xytal, we’re not just making a difference – we’re striving to redefine what it means to be a responsible and impactful business. More importantly, it’s a commitment to continuously challenge ourselves to do better for people, communities, and the planet.
Together, we can create a healthier, happier world. Whether you’re a partner, customer, or simply curious about our journey, we invite you to join us as we lead with purpose, compassion, and a determination to inspire positive change.
