From Surviving to Serving: Our Founder's Story

“Coming from the slums taught me to value opportunity because I know what life looks like without it. Today, I carry the story of every child who just needs one chance to change their future.”

Jacob H. Murunga

Founder, RCK

“I grew up in the heart of Kibera—the largest urban slum in Africa, where survival was, and still is, a daily struggle. Safety, food, and even dignity were luxuries I couldn’t afford. After school, I often asked classmates if I could join them at home for a meal or a place to rest. Some welcomed me. Many didn’t. Kindness had limits when everyone was barely getting by.

Hunger was constant. Illness was routine, a result of overcrowding and poor sanitation. And at times, drugs felt like an easy escape. Many of my friends gave in, but somehow, I kept going. Whether it was hope or sheer stubbornness, I believed life could be different.

That belief became real when I met a sponsor through a local organization. An individual who gave me a lifeline and the most enviable chance to stay in school and complete my education.

Today, as the founder of Root Cause Kwanza, I carry that story with me. Coming from the slums taught me to value opportunity, because I know what life looks like without it. Today, I carry the story of every child who needs one chance to change their future.