The redemptive journey of Lifesong Kenya began with a single powerful belief: that every life has a purpose, no matter the circumstances.

Our founder, Hawi James Ouma, experienced this truth firsthand. His father died when he was just 13, leaving his widowed mother to struggle with providing for James and four other siblings. This led to a difficult childhood that was marked by lack, trouble and low self-esteem.

However, in 2005 his life took a new turn when he was arrested for a crime he didn’t commit. Inside the cell, a man’s simple question—asking if he had grown up with a father and seeking his guidance—became an incredible turning point. It ignited a desire in James to build a better life for himself and others. This led him to a job as a Children’s TV Producer.

In 2012, while visiting a juvenile prison, he met 100 boys and started a weekly program. This program, born from his own journey of overcoming adversity and turning trouble into treasure, became the very foundation of Lifesong Kenya.