All Pull Together: A Harambee in Kapsowar

In Kenya, when the challenge is too big for one person to carry alone, we call a harambee—a Swahili word meaning “all pull together.” It’s more than a fundraiser. It’s a tradition of unity, where neighbors, friends, leaders, and even strangers gather. One by one, each person or group steps forward to give what they can. Every gift is honored. Every contribution matters. And together, something extraordinary happens.

This month, we saw that spirit come alive at Kapsowar Mission Hospital in a way I’ll never forget.

The AIC Kapsowar Township Church fills with neighbors, friends, and leaders—ready to pull together for the harambee.

The Need That Sparked It

If you’ve ever stepped inside our outpatient department, you know it’s the busiest place on the hospital grounds. On any given day, it’s overflowing—long lines curling around corners, patients shoulder-to-shoulder, and medicines stacked from floor to ceiling at the pharmacy window.

Our emergency department is even smaller—just four worn beds. When those fill up, we care for patients in chairs. The need is simply bigger than our space.

For years, our hospital board has carried the dream of expanding and renovating these facilities. And this month, they decided to do something bold—host a harambee with an audacious goal: 20 million shillings (about $150,000). That’s a staggering number in a community where most people earn just $2–$5 a day.

Our current outpatient department—bustling from morning to evening, with patients waiting shoulder-to-shoulder for care.

Building Momentum

Flyers were printed, videos produced, and hope began to spread. Board members called every contact they had—in business, politics, and beyond. Hospital staff rallied, each department reaching out to family and friends, giving what they could.

When the day arrived—August 2—the church was alive with music, dancing, and speeches. Groups from the hospital and nursing school sang. The bishop preached. And I wandered around with my camera, waiting for the “special guest” I’d been told to expect.

All eyes turn skyward as the sound of a helicopter announces the arrival of our guest of honor.

Hours later, I heard the distant hum of a helicopter. People started running, cameras in hand. I followed, and soon found myself in a crowd, surrounding a man shaking hands in every direction—Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Interior, Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen. As it turns out, he was born right here at Kapsowar Mission Hospital, along with four of his siblings.

Mr. Murkomen, born at Kapsowar Mission Hospital, greets an eager crowd before entering the church.

The Moment Everything Changed

During his speech, Mr. Murkomen spoke about the hospital’s vital role in the community. Then he made an offer that took our breath away:

“If you can raise 5 million shillings today, I’ll make sure the other 15 million is found.”

The room erupted in cheers. But next to me, a Kenyan colleague leaned over and said with a laugh, “I don’t even think we’ll make it to five!”

Gifts, Cheers, and a Surprising Total

True to harambee tradition, people lined up to present their contributions—schools, shop owners, churches, families. Each gift was read aloud, celebrated with applause.

“Kapsowar Girls High School…50,000 shillings!”

“Talic Supermarket…100,000 shillings!”

Each gift, no matter the size, is announced and celebrated.

Contributions counted in real time by our hospital staff—a tangible picture of generosity in action.

The numbers climbed—one million, three million, five million. We hit the target! But the gifts kept coming. By the end, our community had given over 10 million shillings. Mr. Murkomen added 5 million more, and the President himself pledged another 10 million

We didn’t just meet the goal—we blew past it, raising over 25 million shillings (about $190,000)!

Applause erupts as each gift is announced, from shop owners to students to hospital staff.

More Than Money

It was a beautiful day. People had been saving for months, collecting from friends and neighbors, all to make this vision a reality. The harambee wasn’t just about money—it was about a community pulling together, each giving what they could to create something better: a future with more space, better services, and the dignity every patient deserves.

Eunice Kibor, the architect of the new outpatient department, presents her designs to Mr. Murkomen.

The same spirit that fueled this harambee is what sustains Kapsowar Mission Hospital every single day. By becoming a monthly donor, you join that ongoing story—helping to provide life-saving care, dignity, and hope for every patient who comes through our doors.

Pamoja, tunaweza—together, we can.