Karogoto is located in the Central Province of Kenya and about two 1/2 hours north of Nairobi. In Kenyan geographical terms, it is in the Thiu sub-location, Ngandu location, Mathira division in Nyeri district. Settled nearly 10 years ago, Karogoto is now home to some 3,000 families with each family having on average 4 children. The youth account for nearly 60% of the population in the community.

There are 3 government primary schools and one private primary school for the children to attend. Classrooms in the primary schools average 40 students per class. While education is considered “free” in primary school, there are many children who cannot afford the school uniforms and books that are required to attend school. There is only one secondary school for the entire community with about 400 students in attendance. Secondary school is not free and most youth cannot afford the fees to attend.

There is no government hospital or clinic in the community. Access to the nearest hospital is in the Karatina district, which is 7 kilometers away. The leading fatal disease is HIV/AIDS. Typhoid and pneumonia are rampant in the cold season of July and August primarily preying on the elderly.

From an economic perspective, the primary labor in the area is farming which is mostly by local peasants and produces mixed crops. The major cash crop is coffee. The community is largely dependant on self-employment with little other opportunity. The unemployment rate is especially high among the youth (estimated by the leadership council at 85%) and has led to an increase in rural-urban migration as the youth move into the big cities in pursuit of jobs and what they perceive to be a better life opportunity. The migration away by the youth is further disintegrating the family unit because the families use their resources to educate their children in hopes that the children will gain employment and contribute to the family cost structure. Instead they migrate to the big cities and rarely return home or send money back to their families.

The people of Karogoto are blessed with the strong and mature spiritual leadership of Pastor Harrison of the Antioch Independent Baptist Church.

The Antioch Independent Baptist Church was founded in Karatina, Kenya in 1983 by David and Elwanda Fields, affectionately known as "Papa" and "Mama". (The Fields have been serving as missionaries in Africa for 57 years.) Karatina is less than 10 miles from Karogoto and the home of the Bible College responsible for the training and development of Pastor Harrison. Many community leaders and members in Karogoto have the opportunity to study at the Antioch Bible College, contributing to the spiritual growth in their community.

In 1996, a second church was planted in Karagoto after the realization that many members were walking the 10 miles to Karatina to worship. Pastor Harrison has been leading the Antioch Independent Baptist Church in Karagoto since 2003. There are 12 other churches in the community with the largest providing a church home to about 150 congregants. Christianity is the primary faith among the people though this does not necessarily translate to a personal relationship with Christ. Many simply come from what is considered a “Christian” family or have a Christian name. They may well believe that Jesus is Lord and Savior yet still pray to Mt. Kenya for rain for their crops. There is great need to share the Word of God here.

This wonderful Kenyan community of Karogoto is ready for help from our 410 Bridge Church Network. By partnering with the people of this community, 410 Bridge Churches will have the chance to come alongside Karagoto as they take the steps necessary to change the face of their community.