Meet our Founders

Our History

The story of the Kenya Education Fund (KEF) weaves together the rich histories of three organizations: the Nomadic Kenyan Children’s Educational Fund (NKCEF, est. 2001), the Kenya Education Fund (est. 2006), and the Children of Kibera Foundation (est. 2007).

The merged entity, which took the name of KEF, has over 25 years of collective experience working to promote education in Kenya.

The first organization, the Nomadic Kenyan Children’s Educational Fund (NKCEF), was formed after a group of families from McLean, Virginia accompanied their school teacher, Hon. Joseph Lekuton, on a trip to his nomadic homeland in Northern Kenya where many of the children were not in school. NKCEF educated hundreds of children in high schools in Kenya and was founded by Anne Evans, Cathy Gorrell, Becky Hudecek and Ricki Kanter and merged with KEF in 2011.

Children of Kibera Foundation (CoKF) was founded by Honorable Ken Okoth (Kibera), Curtis Rooney, Mittie Rooney and Merrill Cherouny and provided hundreds of educational scholarships to primary, secondary and university students from Kibera – Africa’s largest slum. CoKF merged with KEF in 2013.

The initial Kenya Education Fund (KEF) organization was started by former Peace Corps Volunteer, Bradley Broder and local community leader, Dominic Muasya, to keep kids in high school when their means did not allow. Founding board members were Cliff Broder, Richard Sirlin and Marc Stolz. Following the mergers with NKCEF in 2011 and with Children of Kibera in 2013, Bradley and Dominic continued as the leaders of the merged entities.

We are deeply grateful to the Founders of all the merged organizations, whose passion, guidance, and support helped bring our vision to life and shape the organization we are today.

Cliff Broder Richard Sirlin Rebecca Hudececk Ken Okoth

Mark Stolz Cathy Gorell Anne Evans Merrell Cherouny

Curtis Rooney Ricki Kanter Mittie Rooney

KEF Founders

Bradley Broder

Bradley Broder’s journey began with a simple yet powerful vision: to unlock opportunities for Kenyan youth through access to quality education. Born and raised in the United States, Brad first traveled to Kenya as a Peace Corps volunteer, where he witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by young people in underserved communities. Moved by their resilience and potential, he returned to Kenya with a purpose: to create a path for talented but financially disadvantaged students to access secondary education and beyond.

In 2006, Brad co-founded the Kenya Education Fund (KEF) to provide scholarships for students from Kenya's most marginalized communities. His work quickly grew, impacting over 4,500 students across the country.

KEF’s programs were designed not only to fund education but to empower students with mentorship, life skills, and the tools to break the cycle of poverty.

Dominic Muasya

Dominic is a thought leader in possession of over 26 year consistent and progressive leadership experience. Over that period he has smoothly navigated two mergers and successfully managed diverse partnerships and interests. Dom, as commonly known to his friends, has efficiently and strategically grown staff and programs in a very cost effective manner ensuring that we are able to spread the $. Before KEF, he worked for the Ministry of Health as a Public Health Officer in Kajiado and Kiambu Counties, holding senior positions. Dom met the late Bradly Broder – who was a Peace Corp Volunteer while working in Loitokitok District Hospital over 20 years ago.

All these experiences have enhanced his strategic program planning and management, personnel development, leadership, conflict resolution and building meaningful partnerships, among others. He believes in empowering young people who will be responsible and dependable citizens of the future with a deep sense of community and giving back. Dominic studied in Kenya and Japan and holds a Masters’ Degree from the Great Lakes University of Kisumu.

Honoring Brad’s Legacy

Brad’s legacy continues to inspire KEF’s mission today. Though he passed away in 2022, his spirit of service, compassion, and resilience remains at the heart of KEF.

Thanks to Brad’s vision, KEF has grown into an organization that not only funds education but fosters hope and opportunity for Kenya’s youth. Today, we honor Brad’s life and the thousands of students whose futures have been forever changed by his vision.

As we continue to support bright, determined students across Kenya, Brad’s legacy serves as a reminder of what’s possible when we come together to make a difference. Together, we can continue his work, creating brighter futures and lasting change in communities across Kenya.

“I have witnessed young people after going through school uplift their entire families from destitution to self-reliance through education.”

Dominic Muasya

Executive Director