Kenya – John Janney Foundation

Posted on February 3, 2026March 17, 2026 by johnjanney

Baitulmaal Restores Sight for 100 Vulnerable People in Kenya

WAJIR, KENYA, February 3, 2026 – Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian nonprofit, recently hosted a free eye cataract surgery camp in Wajir, restoring sight for around 100 vulnerable individuals aged 18 and older.

The project provided life-changing surgeries for patients suffering from cataracts in one or both eyes. Many of the beneficiaries were older adults, women, and some younger patients who had been living with limited access to specialized eye care.

“I was able to witness a surgery and see a 65-year-old woman stand up and say that even with the bandage over her eye, she could already see the light,” said Linda Sarsour, a U.S. based activist, author, and Baitulmaal ambassador.

One of Baitulmaal’s beneficiaries, Bishara, a young mother of five and the sole provider for her family, received her second eye cataract surgery to improve vision in both eyes. Today, she can walk independently and care for herself again. Most importantly, she carries renewed hope that she can rebuild her small business and continue supporting her children.

“I was in a very dark place, but I feel alive and beautiful again,” said Bishara.

By restoring sight, the project helps patients regain independence and rebuild their lives. Many beneficiaries are able to return to work, continue their education, and participate fully in their communities once again. Beyond the physical impact, restored vision also brings renewed confidence, emotional well-being, and hope for a brighter future.

According to the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), cataracts account for nearly 50 percent of avoidable blindness in Africa, largely due to limited access to surgical care in rural and underserved communities.

In addition to performing free cataract surgery in Kenya, Baitulmaal has also provided emergency aid, fresh meat for Udhiyah, orphan support, and Ramadan Food Packages. To learn more about or contribute to these efforts, please visit johnjanney.org/.

Baitulmaal is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides life-saving, life-sustaining and life-enriching aid to people in need around the world. With headquarters in Texas, the charity has domestic offices in California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan and New Jersey as well as international offices in Europe, Africa, South Asia and the Middle East.

# # #

Click Here

[Gallery — no images specified]

⬅️ Click left or right to see additional images ➡️

Posted on December 25, 2025March 17, 2026 by johnjanney

Baitulmaal Delivers Life-Saving Maternal Care in Wajir

WAJIR, KENYA December 25, 2025 – Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian nonprofit, recently provided essential medical equipment and specialized training for healthcare workers at Wajir County Referral Hospital in Kenya to strengthen maternal and newborn care. The initiative was implemented in part through a generous grant from the Gates Foundation and in partnership with Every Pregnancy, a global coalition dedicated to saving the lives of mothers and babies.

The project is expected to enhance emergency obstetric and newborn care services, reduce medical delays, and improve the overall quality of care for mothers and newborns. It also supports Wajir County’s ongoing efforts to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rates and expand access to life-saving healthcare services.

“We appreciate the donation given to us. This contribution [from Baitulmaal] is not an ordinary gift; it is a sign of love, compassion, and support for our community. It aligns with the vision and mission of this hospital to improve the quality of care we provide,” said Mohammed Omar, Director of Wajir County Referral Hospital. “This support will help strengthen our services and enhance the care we aim to deliver to mothers and newborns.”

According to Ahmed Sherif, Senior Manager of International Programs at Baitulmaal, the project will directly benefit mothers receiving care at Wajir County Referral Hospital, high risk pregnancies, newborns requiring specialized support, and healthcare professionals participating in the training. The initiative will also indirectly benefit communities across Wajir County by strengthening the hospital’s ability to provide timely and quality maternal and newborn healthcare services.

According to the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP), Wajir County is among the 15 counties that account for more than 60% of maternal deaths in Kenya, with an estimated maternal mortality ratio of 1,683 deaths per 100,000 live births. These figures highlight the urgent need for improved maternal and newborn healthcare services in the region.

As part of the initiative, Baitulmaal donated critical medical equipment to the hospital, including a delivery bed, multiple maternity beds, baby cots, a newborn incubator, a suction machine, and an LED inspection light. The charity also conducted a five-day Emergency Obstetric and Newborn care (EmONC) mentorship program for healthcare personnel to strengthen their capacity to manage complications during pregnancy, childbirth, and the newborn period.

In addition to providing essential medical equipment to Wajir County Referral Hospital in Kenya, Baitulmaal has also delivered fresh meat for Udhiyah, Ramadan Food Packages, provided support to orphans, and distributed emergency aid during flash floods. To learn more about or contribute to these efforts, please visit johnjanney.org/.

# # #

Click Here

⬅️ Click left or right to see additional images ➡️

Posted on April 19, 2025March 18, 2026 by johnjanney

Baitulmaal Delivers Over 700K Liters of Clean Water in Kenya

WAJIR, KENYA April 19, 2025 – Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian nonprofit, recently distributed 720,000 liters of safe-drinking water in Kenya, benefiting more than 15,400 people and livestock in areas severely affected by prolonged droughts and insufficient rainfall.

According to Ahmed Sherif, senior manager of international programs at Baitulmaal, most of the beneficiaries included women, orphans, and people with disabilities living in Wajir County.

“Access to clean water is a basic human right, yet thousands in Wajir live without it,” said Sherif.“By delivering safe drinking water directly to these communities, we are helping close the gap in access to essential resources.”

According to the Kenyan Ministry of Water and Sanitation, more than 80% of Wajir County’s population faces chronic water shortages, with many relying on seasonal water pans and unprotected sources that are often unsafe for consumption.

In addition to responding to emergency aid in Kenya, Baitulmaal has also provided fresh meat for Udhiyah, and Ramadan Food Packages. To learn more about or contribute to these efforts, please visit johnjanney.org/.

# # #

Click Here

⬅️ Click left or right to see additional images ➡️

Posted on May 6, 2024March 17, 2026 by johnjanney

Families in Kenya Receive Food for 609K Ramadan Meals

More photos below

WAJIR, KENYA May 6, 2024 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian nonprofit, recently distributed food packages that provided 609,000 meals to families in Kenya in time for the Ramadan season.

Food packages containing items such as rice, beans, salt, wheat flour, dates, and cooking oil helped provide daily Ramadan meals to approximately 1,450 families.

According to Ahmed Sherif, international offices manager at Baitulmaal, most beneficiaries were women, orphans, disabled people, or the elderly living in Nairobi.

“Sharing a meal with your loved ones to end the day’s fast is a special part of the Ramadan experience,” Sherif said. “Thanks to our donors, families in Kenya received food packages to share these blessings with their families to enjoy that part of the blessed month.”

According to the World Food Programme, one-third of Kenya’s population is living below the poverty line. With Kenya hosting over 500,000 refugees from surrounding countries, food insecurity is at an all-time high.

In addition to providing Ramadan food packages, Baitulmaal has also provided fresh meat for Udhiyah, and provided drought relief efforts. To learn more about or contribute to these efforts, visit johnjanney.org/.

# # #

Click Here

⬅️ Click left or right to see additional images ➡️

Posted on May 2, 2024March 17, 2026 by johnjanney

Baitulmaal Provides Tuition Support to 147 Kenyan Orphans

NAIROBI, KENYA May 2, 2024 – Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian nonprofit, recently provided tuition support to 147 orphans in Kenya that enables them to complete their high school education.

According to Ahmed Sherif, senior manager of international programs at Baitulmaal, the project aims to prevent school dropouts among students in Wajir, Nairobi, and Kibwezi by covering high school tuition fees. The support not only keeps students in school but also enhances their chances of pursuing higher education and employment opportunities.

“These children are full of potential and deserve the chance to succeed,” Sheriff said. “This tuition is more than financial support, it is a gift of hope.”

According to UNICEF, approximately 1.5 million children in Kenya are orphans, many of whom face barriers to accessing quality education due to poverty and lack of support.

In addition to tuition support in Kenya, Baitulmaal has also been on the ground providing fresh meat for Udhiyah, and Ramadan Food Packages. To learn more about or contribute to these efforts, visit johnjanney.org/.

# # #

Click Here

⬅️ Click left or right to see additional images ➡️

Posted on November 26, 2023March 18, 2026 by johnjanney

Emergency Aid Distributed to 8.5K Kenyans After Flash Flood Disaster

More photos below

WAJIR, KENYA November 26, 2023 – Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian nonprofit, recently distributed emergency aid to 8,500 Kenyans after a flash flood disaster in Kenya.

According to Ahmed Sherif, international offices manager at Baitulmaal, the beneficiaries included elderly, displaced families, and orphans. Each family received tarps, mosquito nets, hygiene supplies, and more.

“After losing their homes, families found themselves without essential needs,” Sherif said. “It was crucial to provide supplies to families in this difficult time to prevent any further deaths or illnesses caused by the flash floods.”

According to the UN office for Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance (OCHA), the rainfall caused infrastructural damage, resulting in deaths and the displacement of 136,025 people due to homes being swept away by the intensified water. There have also been reports of waterborne diseases such as cholera and diarrhea in flood-affected areas.

In addition to responding to the recent floods in Kenya, Baitulmaal has also provided fresh meat for Udhiyah, and Ramadan Food Packages in Kenya. To learn more about or contribute to these efforts, visit johnjanney.org/.

# # #

Click Here

⬅️ Click left or right to see additional images ➡️

Posted on July 10, 2023March 18, 2026 by johnjanney

Fresh Meat for 10,400 Meals Distributed in Kenya

More photos below

WAJIR, KENYA July 10, 2023 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian nonprofit, recently distributed fresh meat for 10,400 meals to impoverished families in Kenya as part of the Islamic season of Udhiyah.

Approximately 2,600 families living in Wajir county were given fresh meat from locally-sourced and humanely-slaughtered sheep and goats. According to Elizabeth Sohail, program development manager at Baitulmaal, women-headed households, people living with disabilities, and the elderly were prioritized.

“We were happy to see families smile and celebrate as they received their share of meat,” said Sohail. “Families in this region often earn as little as $2 a day due to drought-related economic hardships.”

The United Nations reports that after four successive failed rainy seasons, the people of Kenya have endured the worst drought in 40 years, causing many livestocks and livelihoods to be lost.

In addition to seasonal Islamic giving programs, Baitulmaal coordinates emergency aid efforts, water, hygiene and sanitation projects, orphan support programs and other humanitarian aid to under-served populations regardless of faith or nationality. To learn more or donate to these programs, visit johnjanney.org/.

Baitulmaal is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides life-saving, life-sustaining and life-enriching aid to people in need around the world. With headquarters in Texas, the charity has domestic offices and representatives in California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan and New Jersey as well as international offices in Europe, Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East.

# # #

Click Here

⬅️ Click left or right to see additional images ➡️

Posted on June 5, 2023March 18, 2026 by johnjanney

More than 350K Meals for Ramadan Distributed in Kenya

More photos below

WAJIR, KENYA June 5, 2023 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian nonprofit, recently distributed food packages that provided 351,000 meals to families in Kenya in time for the Ramadan season.

Approximately 1,500 families living in various counties in Wajir received food packages. Contents included items such as rice, flour, beans, dates and cooking oil.

Drought in East Africa has forced thousands of families from their homes in search of food, water and better pastures for their livestock to sustain their livelihoods. Many families lost entire herds and rely on humanitarian aid to support them through this crisis.

Baitulmaal delivered more than 3.6 million meals to those in need around the world this Ramadan. The charity has also been on the ground in Kenya helping with drought relief efforts and providing food assistance to families in need. To learn more about or contribute to these efforts, visit johnjanney.org/.

Baitulmaal is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides life-saving, life-sustaining and life-enriching aid to people in need around the world. With headquarters in Texas, the charity has domestic offices and representatives in California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan and New Jersey as well as international offices in Africa, South Asia and the Middle East.

# # #

Click Here

⬅️ Click left or right to see additional images ➡️

Posted on July 28, 2022March 18, 2026 by johnjanney

Fresh Meat for 13,728 Meals Distributed in Kenya

???? More photos below… ????

ACCRA, GHANA July 27, 2022 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian nonprofit, recently distributed fresh meat for 2,400 meals to impoverished families in Ghana as part of the Islamic season of Udhiyah last month.

Approximately 480 families living in Accra and the Ashanti region of Ghana were given fresh meat from locally-sourced and humanely-slaughtered cows. Recipients included families who were struggling with poverty and cared for disabled members or orphans.

In many Muslim-majority countries, fresh meat is often procured through charitable gifts on occasions like the Udhiyah, a practice that commemorates Prophet Abraham’s sacrifice and takes place during the Hajj pilgrimage. This year, Baitulmaal distributed fresh meat for approximately 160,000 meals to beneficiaries in various poverty-stricken and conflict ridden areas of the world.

Baitulmaal is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides life-saving, life-sustaining and life-enriching aid to people in need around the world. With headquarters in Texas, the charity has domestic offices and representatives in California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan and New Jersey as well as international offices in Africa, South Asia and the Middle East.

# # #

Click Here

???? Click left or right to see additional images ????

???? Click left or right to see additional images ????

Posted on April 29, 2022March 17, 2026 by johnjanney

1,250 Kenyan Families Receive Ramadan Food Packages

???? More photos below… ????

NAIROBI, KENYA April 29, 2022 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian nonprofit, recently delivered 1,250 food packages that provided 292,500 meals to families in Wajir County, Kenya during Ramadan.

The food package distribution is part of Baitulmaal’s emergency drought response in East Africa. Kenya and Somalia in particular have been severely impacted by drought, leading to loss of livestock and livelihoods. These food packages help sustain families through the month of Ramadan, according to Baitulmaal program director Elizabeth Sohail.

“Many women in Kenya walk more than 4 hours to fetch water from nearly dry wells and struggle to put food on the table,” Sohail said. “Thanks to generous donors, Baitulmaal has been on the ground in Kenya providing emergency water supplies in addition to food assistance in Ramadan.”

Baitulmaal delivered approximately 4 million meals to those in need around the world this past Ramadan. The charity also provides food, water, healthcare and other aid to families in East Africa. If you would like to learn more or contribute to these programs at Baitulmaal, please visit their website at johnjanney.org/.

Baitulmaal is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides life-saving, life-sustaining and life-enriching aid to people in need around the world. With headquarters in Texas, the charity has domestic offices and representatives in California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan and New Jersey as well as international offices in Africa, South Asia and the Middle East.

# # #

Click Here