You know him as Andrew, but he was born Silvester Andrew Muiruri Guuru and grew up in Kinangop near two of The 410 bridge communities – Karima and Kwambekenya – with his parents, brothers and sisters. As a talented soccer player, Andrew traveled and interacted with the youth in Kinangop. He grew up knowing most of those he interacts with today in his role as the Country Director for 410 Bridge. Andrew went to primary and secondary school in the same area and ultimately graduated from Kenyatta University in Nairobi with a BA in Sociology. He also spent time studying Psychology and HIV/AIDS in Nairobi earning an Advanced Diploma.

After college, Andrew realized there was too much idleness among the youth in Kinangop that was creating an environment conducive for deviant behavior. Using the skills gained through Sociology and counseling studies, he mobilized those youth to form “Kinangop Youth Organization” that aimed at reducing idle time among the youth through involvement in sporting activities, peer counseling and nurturing talents.

He was recruited to serve in development work and spent three years working across the continent of Africa. He served as Regional Project Coordinator for Southern African Development Communities (SADC) and as an HIV/AIDS National Research Coordinator in Malawi with the University of Pennsylvania before returning to Kenya to serve as a Project Manager for the National AIDS Council Program until December 2006. Andrew joined The 410 Bridge in March 2007 and has worked for The 410 Bridge in different capacities starting as a Country Representative in charge of Kwambekenya. He later served as a Community Development Manager for other 410 Bridge communities (Kwambekenya, Karima, Karogoto and Segera). He also served as a Senior Community Development Manager before rising to the current position of Kenya Country Director.

Andrew’s home is in Kinangop where he lives with his wife Catherine Wanjiru and their four children- Ian (16), Margaret (15), Lena (13), and Robinson (10). The family lives on a farm where they do small scale farming along with keeping dairy cows and sheep.

In Andrew’s free time, he plays soccer either with the Kinangop youth members or with his sons Ian and Robinson. Once in a while, the family takes time off to visit places. Andrew feels that it’s a great honor and a blessing to serve God through The 410 Bridge.