Order of St John of Jerusalem of
Rhodes and of Malta
Standing with quiet dignity on the Kenyan coast, the historic chapel of Malindi remains one of the region’s most remarkable cultural landmarks. Built in 1502, this modest yet extraordinary structure has endured the shifting tides of centuries, serving as a testament to the rich and diverse history that has shaped the coastal communities of Kenya.
During his summer recess, a young companion traveled to Tangulbei a remote region in the North of Kenya, to volunteer at a hospital built and supported by the Order, where he came to understand that life itself is never to be taken for granted.
Yet with only a single, under-equipped operating theatre, the hospital has long struggled to meet the urgent needs of mothers, newborns, trauma patients, and those facing life-threatening medical complications. Many patients must be referred over 150 km away to Lodwar—a delay that too often costs lives.
We committed their souls to God’s mercy, laid a wreath at their graves, sang “I Vow to Thee, My Country,” and listened to the poignant poem “In Flanders Fields,” which brought tears to many eyes. The retreat concluded on an inspiring note with visits to two charitable institutions.
The day started with the celebration of Holy Mass at the Deep Sea Chapel of the Consolata Shrine Parish. The Chapel was bursting at the seams with resident families in attendance. Extra seating arrangements were organized outside at the entrance and the side of the chapel.
On 18th September 2025 the Embassy hosted a dinner at the residence to welcome the Malteser International team composed of Manuel Lackmaier (Country Director), Cornelia Kliment (member of the MI board), Roland Hansen (MI), and Joy China (Country office) with a group of distinguished prospective private donors monitoring and supporting Malteser International ongoing projects and attracting funding of new ones.
Adam Camenzuli, Treasurer of the Companions of Kenya, introduced the evening’s ambitious mission: to raise a record sum to support the humanitarian efforts of the Order in Kenya, with 100% of proceeds going directly to local projects.
The Order of Malta International Summer Camp is held annually to bring together young people with diverse physical and mental (dis)abilities for a week of cultural exchange, joy, spiritual growth, and friendships that last a lifetime.
It is always astounding and humbling to witness the joy and humility with which such donations, however small, are received at The Nest, both by the mothers on behalf of their babies and the dedicated staff working at the facility.