A 13-member team from The Second Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles (2 RGR), deployed to Kenya for Exercise HARAKA STORM 25-1. While their primary duty was to work with the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK), they also planned a charity event to make a real difference for the local hosts. The team believed the role was more than just a military unit. They felt a strong desire to connect with the community and leave a positive legacy.
Nanyuki Furaha Foundation – Where Hope Finds a Home, and Joy Finds a Voice
BATUK chose to help the Nanyuki Furaha Foundation, an official charity in Nanyuki town. “Furaha” is a Swahili word meaning happiness. The foundation is a residential home for 50 children aged 2 to 14 years old. It provides a safe and nurturing environment for children who are orphaned or vulnerable due to challenges like HIV/AIDS and family breakdowns. Its goal is to bring happiness by protecting children from risks like drug abuse and crime, offering them safety, education and counselling. For the team, this was an opportunity to represent RGR and the Brigade of Gurkhas and our countries with honour, demonstrating the Gurkha core values of integrity, discipline, and respect. To support the foundation the aims were:
- Provide essential food supplies for the children.
- Distribute toiletry items to promote health and hygiene.
- Prepare and serve warm, nutritious traditional Gurkha meals.
The donations will be a physical reminder of our visit. However, the more profound impact will be the intangible one: the smiles shared, the friendships made, and the strengthened trust between BATUK and the Kenyan community. The event was planned by Colour Sergeant Niran Rai and supported by Corporal John Gurung. This event built a unique bridge of understanding between the hills of Nepal, the British Army, and the plains of Kenya.
