Two months after his historic acceptance to medical school, James Kaingu Safari is officially welcomed as a first-year student, with his eyes on graduation day.
In August, we announced a first for our program: James Kaingu Safari was accepted to Kenya Methodist University to pursue a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree. We have an update.
This morning, James sent us a message and a photo from his university’s Matriculation Day.
James in robes on the university lawn, Matriculation Day, September 2026
“Ma’am, our matriculation day at the university!” he wrote. “The boy is grateful to God and Kenya Kids Programme!”
We had never heard of a matriculation day, so we asked James to tell us more. He explained that it’s a ceremony the school holds for first-year students to celebrate, motivate, and officially welcome them to the university. He’s been told it’s a long-standing tradition at Kenya Methodist University.
The goal, James said, is to help students “focus towards the bigger reward” as they work through their studies. The Vice Chancellor put it this way: the day is a “sight” to give students “insight” into graduation day.
We think that’s a wonderful idea. Most celebrations come at the end. This one comes at the start, and it lets new students picture themselves in those robes years from now, on the day they earn their degrees. For James, that day will mean becoming a doctor.
James has been a Kenya Kids student since grade six. He went on to earn his Diploma in Clinical Medicine and Surgery from Kenya Medical Training College, and now he’s taking the next step toward becoming a physician.
Thank you again to James’ sponsors, Linda and Mark Fadel, and to his other sponsor, for committing to his medical education. And thank you to everyone who supports Kenya Kids. Moments like this one are what your support builds.
Congratulations, James. We can’t wait to see you in those robes again on graduation day.
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