The Beginning

In the heart of Nanyuki, Nyeri, a quiet movement began to change lives—one child, one family at a time. The Tumaini Autism Centre was born out of a profound observation by the Catholic Archdiocese of Nyeri, led by Archbishop Anthony Muheria. During masses and community gatherings, the Archbishop noticed a growing number of parents struggling silently, their children misunderstood and unsupported. These were children with autism, a condition often ignored in Kenya, leaving families to face stigma, isolation, and the crushing weight of unaffordable therapy costs.

The Action

In a decisive move, the Catholic Archdiocese of Nyeri launched a transformative initiative to address neurodevelopmental challenges in the region. In March 2024, the Archdiocese hosted a Neurodevelopmental Education Day, convening 1,193 participants from Nyeri, Laikipia, Meru, and surrounding areas. The event brought to light a pressing reality: 549 attendees were identified with developmental challenges, including 280 autistic children urgently requiring intervention. For many families, access to therapy remained out of reach, with fees far beyond their financial means. Recognizing the critical need for action, the Archdiocese committed to further intervention.

With a vision to transform lives, the Catholic Archdiocese of Nyeri donated land and structures to establish the Tumaini Autism Centre on Huruma Road, near Huruma Hospital in Nanyuki. The name "Tumaini," meaning "hope" in Swahili, became a promise—a promise to provide affordable therapy, a supportive community, and a future where autistic children could thrive. The centre opened its doors with a mission to break down barriers, offering Occupational Therapy for KES 300 and Speech Therapy for KES 300 per session and Free Counceling Services a fraction of traditional costs, with the hope of making therapies free as funding grows.

The Impact

Beyond therapy, Tumaini became a sanctuary where parents found empowerment and children were celebrated, not excluded. We began training local professionals, building a sustainable workforce to serve our community without relying on distant specialists. Through large-scale awareness campaigns, we’ve worked to dismantle autism misconceptions, ensuring families are heard and supported. Today, we’re renovating facilities to include a sensory room, therapy spaces, and a hydrotherapy pool, while our community education events have already reached hundreds of families in need.

At Tumaini Autism Centre, we believe autism is not a tragedy but an alternative way of experiencing life. Our mission is to unlock the potential in every child and support every family on their journey. Join us in building hope—because together, we can create a legacy of empowerment for generations to come.