They say the two most important days in a person’s life are the day they are born and the day they discover why. For Bishop Patrick Ngigi, founder of Mission with a Vision (MWV), that moment of realization came while working as a head teacher at Sekenani Primary School in Narok.

Patrick witnessed an alarming trend—young girls dropping out of school, often due to forced marriages or female genital mutilation (FGM). His deep concern turned into action when he rescued his first girl and sent her to live with his mother in Limuru. The second girl found refuge with his pastor’s mother in Leshuta. Little did he know that these initial rescues would lead to a lifelong commitment to protecting and empowering vulnerable girls.

Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Transformation

Since its inception 27 years ago, MWV has rescued and supported over 3,500 girls, providing them with safety, education, and hope. Some have stayed with the program for as long as eleven years, rebuilding their lives and securing brighter futures. 

Recognizing the need to fully dedicate himself to this mission, Patrick left his position with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). In 2010, while pursuing a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, he took an unpaid leave and never returned to teaching. The decision to walk away from a secure job was difficult, but his conviction that MWV was his true calling made it an easy choice.

A Family United in Purpose

Patrick’s unwavering dedication was strengthened when he met his wife, Josephine Passiany, in 2007. Understanding his vision, Josephine became an indispensable partner, often working late nights alongside him to secure funding. The couple, who have two biological children, seamlessly integrate their adopted daughters into their family, creating a loving and inclusive environment.

At MWV’s rescue centers, girls find more than just shelter—they find a family. Having endured trauma, they now call Patrick “Baba” (father), a testament to the warmth and care he provides. The goal is to recreate a normal family environment so the girls can heal, thrive, and regain their dignity.

 NGOs Awards 2025

Mission With a Vision won the Best in Children category at the 2024 NGO Awards 2024. He terms it as a historical win and recognition because it is the first of its kind. Patrick gives credit to the girls because they aggressively lobbied and campaigned for people to vote for them.

“The award means a lot to us since it motivates us to work harder. We feel that our 27 years of work has been recognized,” said the 54-year-old.

He’s also an awardee of the Utumishi Bora Awards owing to his integrity. 

Transforming Lives: Jecinta’s Story

One of MWV’s success stories is Jecinta Naisoi, who was rescued at 16 after excelling in her Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams but facing an uncertain future due to financial struggles. MWV ensured she continued her education, and today, she holds a degree in Accounting and is completing her Master’s in Finance at Mount Kenya University.

Jecinta now serves as the bursar at Ewangan High School, a position that allows her to support herself, her family, and her ailing mother. Her journey illustrates the lasting impact of MWV’s work—turning vulnerable girls into empowered women contributing to society.

Building Self-Sustaining Rescue Centers

MWV is designed to be 70% self-sustaining, with well-equipped facilities, including adequate water, stable structures, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy. At Enkishon Rescue Center, located 12km from Narok town, solar power replaces unreliable national grid connections, and sustainable farming provides food for the center and local community.

The 25-year-old Cynthia, a procurement and logistics graduate and an MWV beneficiary, manages the Enkishon center. Her role includes overseeing daily operations, food production, and ensuring the well-being of all residents. The center accommodates up to 80 girls, providing them with food, medical care, education, and vocational training.

Rehabilitation Through Skills Development

MWV partners with local courts and child welfare services to rescue girls and integrate them into educational or vocational programs. For those unable to return to formal schooling, MWV offers hairdressing and sewing courses to equip them with employable skills. Graduates receive seed capital to start their businesses, fostering financial independence.

A school uniform production unit, staffed by trained MWV graduates, supplies local schools, with aspirations to expand nationwide. “We aim to challenge the dominance of Indian-run uniform manufacturing in Kenya,” says Patrick, emphasizing MWV’s commitment to economic empowerment.

Facing Challenges with Courage

Despite legal prohibitions, FGM and child marriage persist in many communities due to deep-seated cultural beliefs. Patrick and his team engage schools, parents, and religious leaders to educate and advocate for change. MWV also conducts dangerous rescue missions, sometimes facing hostility from families demanding dowry repayments for lost ‘brides.’

A Calling, Not a Job

For Patrick, this work is not a job—it is his life’s purpose. He recalls facing curses from elders opposing his mission, yet he remained undeterred. One of these elders, on his deathbed, later sought reconciliation, acknowledging the positive impact of MWV.

Patrick’s resilience and commitment ensure that no girl suffers in silence. With continued support, MWV will keep expanding its reach, turning oppression into opportunity, and securing a brighter future for Africa’s daughters.