The Kyasila primary school is adjacent to the Mua Hills Clinic. We had a tour of each classroom, the kitchen, office, and teachers' lounge, and then the younger kids sang Christian songs for us in the local "call and response" style. Christian education is compulsory in all schools. The school equipment is rudimentary - wooden bench-desks and a blackboard painted on one wall. There was no electricity in the school. There may be only one textbook for an entire classroom of 40 or more children. The syllabus is defined by the government, and teachers seem enormously dedicated - and respected. Children come to school in uniform, and from fourth grade on stay until late afternoon. School goes on year-round, with three terms and 3-4 weeks' break after each. Primary education (first eight years) is now free, by government edict since January, but parents must still buy uniforms. Education is not yet compulsory, though many expect primary education will become so shortly. School fees for secondary and university education are a significant barrier to many.

Mothers' Union project at Daystar University, a Christian ecumenical institution which prepares young people for a variety of careers. Josephine Kanuku, wife of Bishop Joseph Kanuku took us on the tour. Many students choose to board there, as it is an hour outside Nairobi. The Kanukus' two oldest children are students there, and commute daily from Machakos, which takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour each way. The Mothers' Union has built a dormitory building for young women who are too poor to afford the university's room and board fees. The building is nearly finished, and provides sleeping and study space as well as a kitchen for 24 young women. Money is lacking to furnish the building. All of the funds have been raised by women of the Diocese of Machakos. Their hope is that the fees the young women pay will begin to allow construction of a second dormitory building.