The journey from a casual vacation to a life-changing mission often begins with a single, unexpected detour. For Chris Adams and Ronan Smith (CEO of Bimeda AMEA), that detour happened in September 2012. What started as a trip from Ireland to Nairobi evolved into a twelve-year legacy of mentorship, sponsorship, and transformation.
The Seed That Was Sown: A Visit to Ngong Road
While Ronan attended business meetings, his driver, Emmanuel Gatimu, offered to show Chris the “real” Nairobi. After the usual tourist sights, Gatimu made a special request: a visit to see his daughter, Anne, at her workplace.
Anne was an IT teacher at the Ngong Road Children’s Association (NRCA). In a cramped room with just a few ancient laptops, Chris witnessed eight enthusiastic children eager to learn. Nearby, a tiny library was buzzing with energy as students jostled for books under the watchful eye of Teacher Lucy.
Their dedication and passion to do all they could to help these kids achieve their young dreams were obvious. I was hooked.” — Chris Adams
From a Meeting to a Mission
That evening, the seed was planted. A meeting was soon orchestrated between Chris, Ronan, and Paula, whose vision was to grow the six-year-old NRCA into something much larger. By the end of 2012, Bimeda officially sponsored its first six students—three boys and three girls.
Moving Beyond Distance: The Power of Proximity
In 2014, the journey took a personal turn when Chris and Ronan moved to Nairobi full-time. No longer just a name on an email from Ireland, Chris became a hands-on mentor.
Living locally allowed for a unique bond to form with the students. The “Mzungu sponsor” who was always around eventually became a trusted guide. Together, they navigated the highs and lows of:
- Primary and Secondary Education
- Mentorship and Career Advice
- Life Experiences: From cycling in Karura Forest and zip-lining in Limuru to simple lunches across Nairobi.
Celebrating “Generation 1” Success
The impact of this long-term commitment is tangible. As of 2024, the original “Generation 1” students—Faith, Willis, Caroline, Susan, Fidel, and Jacob—have achieved incredible milestones:
- 5 Third-Level Graduates (1 Certificate, 3 Diplomas, 1 Degree).
- 2 Successfully employed and entering the workforce.
The Evolution of NRCF
Since those early days in 2012, the organization has evolved from NRCA to the Ngong Road Children’s Foundation (NRCF). The growth has been monumental:
- Expanded Infrastructure: A state-of-the-art computer lab (TechMates), a thriving library, and the Elimu Hub.
- Holistic Support: Dedicated departments for Post-Secondary and Alumni support, as well as personal development and wellbeing programs.
- Corporate Mentorship: Special thanks to Ms. Belliah Anjili (Bimeda AMEA HR Manager) for creating internship opportunities that bridge the gap between education and employment.
Looking Ahead: Generation 2 and Beyond
The success of the first group has inspired a new chapter. In 2025, Bimeda began sponsoring “Generation 2”—four eager primary students: Trizar, Jairus, Princess, and Prudence.
As Chris and Ronan start this adventure again, they remain committed to the belief that with the right support, every child can reach their best self. To the graduates of Generation 1, the message is clear: The sky is the limit. To Generation 2, the journey has just begun.