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Kenya: Sisters of Mercy transform lives in Turkana East, changing status quo
In the arid and remote landscape of Lokori, in the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar, the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy is transforming communities and restoring dignity among some of Kenya’s most vulnerable populations, many of whom are semi-nomadic.
By Sr. Michelle Njeri, OSF
At the heart of the mission in the Diocese of Lodwar is Sr. Selina Mbuli, whose work in Lokori has become a vital support for vulnerable groups, including people living with HIV, nomadic families, vulnerable children, and elderly caregivers.
At the Sisters of Mercy Lokori Health Centre, patients once had access to comprehensive care, including mobile clinic outreaches that served nomadic families moving in search of pasture and water.
Today, this system is under strain due to funding cuts following the withdrawal of international donors, which has significantly affected services.
“We had recruited and mentored a strong team of health workers, forming them in our values. Many are now leaving due to reduced salaries and in search of better opportunities. Despite these challenges, my congregation continues to support the provision of integrated services for HIV clients,” says Sr. Mbuli.
A race against time in fighting HIV
Every year, Lokori Health Centre marks World AIDS Day by offering medication, food support, and health education.
With only a few years remaining to meet the global 2030 target of ending HIV as a public health threat.
“We are still racing against time. HIV is a reality in this place,” said Sr. Mbuli. “To address stigma and challenges in treatment adherence, we have introduced support systems through counselling, therapeutic activities, and adapted models inspired by Alcoholics Anonymous.”
Sr. Mbuli delivers a health talk during World AIDS Day event
Empowering communities through livelihoods
Beyond healthcare, the Sisters of Mercy have established income-generating activities to address poverty, hunger, and dependency.
“We have established savings and lending communities (SILC groups), with over 290 members across 10 table-banking groups,” said Sr. Mbuli. “We also equip members with basic financial literacy, entrepreneurship skills, and access to small loans. In addition, we have the Lokori Fresh Bakery, an initiative that creates employment for local residents. We want people to take ownership of their development and restore dignity.”
From desert to green: the Lokori Green Initiative
Inspired by Laudato si’ and rooted in care for both people and the environment, the sisters launched the Lokori Green Initiative.
“We promote both ecological care and personal healing through this initiative,” said Sr. Mbuli. “We started on rocky, barren land. Together, we brought in soil, developed an eco-farm, and planted trees. Today, we also maintain an apiary with 41 beehives. We have given people hope and restored their dignity.”
Sr. Mbuli at the initiatives signpost
Education and protection: supporting the next generation
The sisters are also committed to education, addressing harmful cultural practices and empowering young people.
“Working with local leaders, we rescue girls from early and forced marriages and, with the help of well-wishers, support their education,” she said. “We also run shepherd schools, where boys—and sometimes girls—who herd livestock during the day attend classes in the evening. Through education, we empower communities.”
Sylvester Lokuto, once a shepherd boy, is now the coordinator of the Lokori Green Initiative.
“When I joined the shepherd school, the sisters recognized my academic potential and supported me through formal education up to university,” he said. “The Sisters of Mercy have had a profound impact on my life. I returned to give back and uplift my community.”
Asked about his motivation, he added: “I am driven by passion and the desire to inspire my people. My dream is to see the Lokori Green Initiative replicated across our communities to address climate change and restore the environment. I also hope we can have a borehole, as people here walk long distances to access water.”
Sylvester Lokuto sharing his story
A mission rooted in mercy
Despite the progress made in Lokori, water scarcity remains a pressing challenge.
“Women spend entire days under the sun, queuing for water and walking long distances. This exposes them to risks and limits productivity. This morning, I asked the women what they were praying for, and they said: water,” said Sr. Mbuli, her voice marked by concern. “A single nearby borehole would transform the lives of hundreds of families.”
For Sr. Mbuli, this work is more than service—it is a calling.
“The charism of the Sisters of Mercy inspires me. I can see the impact in Lokori: trees growing, children being educated, lives being restored,” concluded the religious sister. “My vision is a future where every child is educated, HIV is no longer a threat, and communities are empowered to sustain themselves. It is possible to make a difference; we just need to keep going.”
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