04/01/2026
Along Kabarak Road, a few kilometres from Nakuru City, sits a busy place known as Mercy Njeri Shopping Centre. At its heart stands Mercy Njeri Primary School, formerly called Kiamunyi Primary School. Many people assume the name belongs to a powerful leader or a wealthy benefactor. It does not.
Mercy Njeri was just a child.
Mercy was born in Kiamunyi in 1975. For her first few years, she was a healthy and playful girl like many others. But at around six years old, her health began to change. She struggled to breathe, fell sick often, and grew weaker with time. Doctors later diagnosed her with rheumatic heart disease, a serious condition commonly described as a “hole in the heart.”
By 1985, her condition had worsened. Doctors advised that she urgently needed heart surgery in the United Kingdom. The cost was KSh 500,000—an amount far beyond what her family could afford. The community organised several fundraisers, but the money raised was not enough. Slowly, hope began to fade.
Then came an unexpected moment. On 4th February 1985, President Daniel arap Moi stopped at Kiamunyi Primary School during a visit to the area. Mercy, then a Standard Three pupil, was present. The head teacher explained her medical condition and shared Mercy’s simple dream: she wanted to grow up and become a doctor. The story moved the President deeply.
President Moi acted immediately. He asked Mercy’s father to come to State House Nakuru and personally mobilised funds for the surgery and travel. Within weeks, arrangements were complete. On 14th March 1985, Mercy flew to the United Kingdom, carrying the hopes of her family and community.
On 29th March 1985, Mercy underwent a long and delicate heart operation that lasted 12 hours. Sadly, she passed away later that same night. Her journey ended far from home, but her story had already touched a nation.
Mercy was laid to rest on 6th April 1985 at her family home in Kiamunyi. In a rare and powerful gesture, President Moi attended her funeral. During the service, the head teacher made a humble request—that the school be renamed in Mercy’s honour. The President agreed on the spot.
Today, Mercy’s name lives on in many ways. There is Mercy Njeri Primary School, Mercy Njeri Secondary School, Mercy Njeri Shopping Centre, and Mercy Njeri Road. An entire community carries the name of a child whose life was short but meaningful.
Mercy’s family has continued to honour her memory through action. They have renovated classrooms, provided desks, and are exploring plans to build and equip a library for learners. Mercy’s father has often said that having a school named after his daughter humbles him deeply. It is the reason he continues to support the school and work toward better education for the community.
History reminds us that greatness is not always found in long lives or powerful titles. Sometimes, it is found in the quiet legacy of a child whose name continues to teach, inspire, and unite generations.
