Ace Africa is very sad to announce the untimely passing of our much loved and respected Project Manager, Christopher Ajowi, at the end of January – a life cut short far too early. He leaves behind a legacy at Ace Africa, having served thousands of community members in Siaya County, Western Kenya. Pire, as he was affectionately known by all staff and beneficiaries, is one of Ace’s longest serving staff having joined the team back in 2008.

Siaya Team – Christopher in the middle

Christopher was born in Pala Village, Kendu Bay in 1982. He left school to attend university where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts Social Science degree (Sociology) from Moi University. From there Christopher joined Ace Africa as a Child Rights and Welfare Field Officer in 2008. It became clear early on that Christopher was a fantastic team member who excelled in programming, implementation and coordination of child welfare activities. His commitment to the beneficiaries Ace serves, and his rapport with the Ace team, led to his promotion in late 2011. As Project Manager in Siaya he oversaw 9 staff covering the entire Siaya County.

Christopher had too many achievements to list; the most significant include the roll out Child-to-Child Clubs in Siaya County and working closely with Area Advisory Committees to identify vulnerable children to be supported through the bursary programme. As a result all 82 sponsored children in Siaya (46 male and 36 female) have completed their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education and are now either in work or attending various universities and colleges.

In recent years Christopher had been particularly interested in some specific Ace projects. In 2017 he was spearheading a new partnership with the Teach a Man to Fish programme, where a total of 20 schools from Bungoma and Siaya established business enterprises. Another project Christopher delivered in 2014 was establishing the JBSF Got Matar 10k Run which is now an annual event attracting thousands of community members and runners from far and wide. He helped organise this event with Athletics Kenya and other partners to offer a variety of services including health check-ups, nutrition advice and counseling services. Christopher took the lead on a solar project to get light into schools in rural Siaya to improve school performance – he led the project and with support from various funders, Ace has now installed solar powered lights in 45 schools.

Christopher’s achievements go beyond the incredible work he did in schools, committees and beneficiaries. He was a well respected and much loved member of the team. He was a mentor to many and provided coaching on report writing and project implementation. He was committed to the cause, dedicated, extremely hard working and always strived to achieve greater things.

In his personal life Christopher had a strong faith and was a dedicated farmer who relished poultry rearing, maize and bean farming. Christopher had a special place in his heart for his only daughter, Natasha, and did all he could to ensure she gets the best life.

Christopher will be remembered as a devoted protector of Child Rights, working with our communities, civil society and government to ensure that those violating child rights are brought to justice.

His friends, family and Ace Africa are dedicated to ensuring his work and life are not forgotten, and will continue to encourage people to protect the rights of children.

‘’I first met you in 2008 when I was given a chance by Ace Africa to pursue my secondary education. You were pillar to me and made me who I am today’’ Dominick Otika Ace Africa Alumni.