New Perspectives in Nairobi

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New Perspectives in Nairobi

May 15, 2026

Today called for another early rise, but the morning ahead quickly set the tone for what would become one of the most meaningful and impactful days of our immersion experience this far. Our group ventured into Karura Forest where we were guided through the winding trails by Jonathan. He is a forest expert with six years of experience and a deep passion for the reserve’s conservation and history. Surrounded by hundreds of tree species, greeted by monkeys and antelopes along the paths, and accompanied by the rushing sound of waterfalls in the distance, the forest provided a refreshing escape from the fast pace of the city and an opportunity to fully appreciate Kenya’s natural beauty. Beyond the hike itself, our visit revealed the impressive balance between environmental conservation and economic sustainability that defines Karura Forest today. As the most visited destination in Kenya, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, the reserve has become financially self-sustaining while continuing to prioritize preservation efforts. Jonathan explained how the forest is actively working toward becoming home to entirely indigenous plant species. While the reserve was once made up of nearly 60% foreign species, it is now approximately 80% indigenous and continues progressing toward the goal of becoming fully native. We also learned about the forest’s recent success in stopping deforestation this year, highlighting the impact intentional conservation efforts can have when supported by strong community engagement and responsible management. The experience challenged us to think more deeply about the relationship between business, tourism, and environmental stewardship, while reminding us that sustainability and economic success can coexist.

Our next stop was Cultiva, a farm to table restaurant that served delicious breakfast sandwiches, pastries, coffees and other juices. After a successful meal full of conversation and great eats, we had a rounding issue with our end price, and ended up paying roughly $13 USD over the bill. When we offered the workers to keep the extra money as a tip, they refused, saying it was unnecessary and that we are supposed to only pay for our food. This stood out to all of us, as seeing the difference in tipping practices really stood out. However, we didn’t mind the extra croissants to counteract the gap.

Kenya team outside La Salle School

Team with Brother Oscar outfront of La Salle School

Our visit to the La Salle School provided another powerful perspective on the role education plays in shaping communities and creating opportunity. We had the privilege of meeting Brother Oscar along with several of the brothers of the school during a particularly special time, as the school was celebrating its 10-year Founder’s Day anniversary. Throughout our visit, the brothers were incredibly informative, sharing the history of the La Sallian network and explaining how the K-12 institution helps support and fund partner schools such as CDC. As we toured the campus, it became clear how access to high-quality education can directly impact development and future opportunities for students. We also learned about the school’s commitment to innovation through the introduction of new centers and coursework focused on artificial intelligence and computer science, an initiative that strongly reminded many of us of what we observed during our visit to the CBA program in Syracuse. Beyond the academic side, what stood out most was the warmth of the students themselves. Every child we met greeted us with excitement, kindness, and genuine curiosity, creating an atmosphere that felt incredibly welcoming from the moment we arrived. Seeing the global reach of the La Sallean network and witnessing firsthand the school’s dedication to preparing students for the future reinforced how education can serve as both a local and international force for impact.

The last stop of the day was The Fleischer Foundation, which was one of the most perspective-changing experiences for all of us. The Foundation offers sponsorship programs for teens in informal communities, as the government only pays for schooling up to 8th grade and students often cannot cover the tuition for high school and university. Being able to see how this program can change the trajectory of someone’s life proved to us how important spreading awareness about this cause is to our families and friends. As our conversations progressed with the students, we realized just how much we take for granted without even realizing. Our whole lives, we were always checked on in school by our parents, making sure we had good days and received extra support if need be. The kids that Fleischer sponsors work tirelessly to earn good grades, support their siblings, and assist in any and all family needs. The kids we met are truly special, and we are confident that they will excel in the future.

By Dylan Germain and Marissa Moore

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