Our Founder

Who She Was

Lilian Taria Musungu was an educationist with a deep and unwavering passion for the development of education and the support of vulnerable children. Her life was defined by a simple but powerful belief: that every child, regardless of their background, deserves access to quality education and the opportunity to build a better future.

Lilian attended Moi Girls Kamusinga for her secondary education and went on to the University of Nairobi, where she earned a Bachelor of Education Degree. She later pursued a Master of Business Administration at Kenyatta University, sharpening the leadership skills that would define her career.

She served as a lecturer and later as Director at Shanzu Teachers College, where she played a pivotal role in growing the Business School from a small department into a fully-fledged college. Her impact on education was felt not only in the classroom but also in the systems she helped build.

Her Legacy

In the early 2000s, Lilian was already supporting vulnerable children through scholarships, a commitment that was greatly strengthened when she met Gunter Nehrig, a friend who shared her vision. Together, they identified and sponsored children from various schools, giving them the gift of education and hope.

Recognising the growing need for a more sustainable approach, Lilian and Gunter co-founded Elimu Ya Kenya School, a place where children from the most vulnerable backgrounds could access free, quality education. To further strengthen the impact, Lilian founded the Elimu Ya Kenya Charity and became its first Director, supported by Hans-Heiner Fährmann as her deputy.

Under her leadership, the charity grew steadily, supporting hundreds of children through the school and beyond. Her vision was not just about education — it was about empowerment, dignity, and lasting change.

What She Believed

Lilian believed in the power of education to break the cycle of poverty. She believed that every child, no matter how humble their beginnings, could rise with the right support. She believed in collaboration — that partnerships across borders could transform communities. And she believed in hope, even when the odds seemed insurmountable.

Lilian's heart beat for her family, her friends, and for a bright future for the EYK school and charity — until the very last moment, when a sad fate took her from us. She passed away unexpectedly on the 1st of July 2026 at the age of only 48.

May the soul of our founder rest in eternal peace, and may we live to emulate what she did on earth by helping those in need.

Her legacy lives on in every child who walks through the gates of Elimu Ya Kenya School, in every teacher who inspires a classroom, and in every family that has been lifted by her vision.