From Pain to Purpose: Kajiado Man Providing Safe Haven for Boys Rejected by Society

• James Ouma, a co-active coach and mentor based in Ngong, turned his troubled childhood into a mission to support and uplift boys abandoned by society
• After losing his father at 13 and spending time in a police cell, James was inspired by a fellow inmate’s words to change his life course (Lifesong) and help others
• He founded a shelter for boys who have faced abuse, rejection, or incarceration, offering them mentorship, counselling, and a second chance

For years, the spotlight has rightly shone brightly on the girl child. But in the shadows, the boy child has often been left to navigate pain, pressure, and trauma in silence.

While campaigns for girls have multiplied, few have paused to ask: who is fighting for the boys? One man in Nairobi has taken that question to heart — and into action.

For James Ouma, providing a safe haven and safe space for the boy child is not just about filling a gap left open by society. It is a calling, a passion, and a deep drive to ensure that no boy walks the same difficult path he once did — and if they do, they come out of it as victorious as he did.

Who is James Ouma?

James Ouma grew up in Kisumu county, where he faced harsh realities at a very young age.

He lost his father when he was just 13 years old, a moment that shattered his world. He told TUKO.co.ke that his mind instantly shifted to everything he would now lack without a father.

For a long time, he was defined by orphanhood, lacking a father figure, a role model, or male mentor. This absence diverted what had once been a healthy, committed, and responsible upbringing.

Raised solely by his mother, James found himself in trouble that eventually landed him in a police cell, where he spent eight days. While sitting quietly in one of the cell’s corners, he recalled life-changing words from a fellow inmate that helped reshape his life.

James Ouma’s turning point and the birth of Lifesong

“I was scared, and I believed I was right all along — that I would amount to nothing without a father to mentor me. Then a cellmate told me I looked like someone who had grown up with a father figure. He said I seemed composed and even asked me to help him reconcile with his family once I got out. That moment changed everything. He saw something in me I had never seen in myself,” James recalled.

Fortunately, he was released — and during that time, he made a powerful decision: to become the support he never had.

Determined to help boys he saw his younger self in, James landed a job as an untrained TV producer for a children’s show in 2008. His creativity and self-taught skills shone.

While working at the TV station, a colleague introduced him to mentorship work. He was linked to an officer at Nairobi Remand Prison, Industrial Area, where he began speaking with juvenile offenders during his off-days.

“The first time I entered Block B, where the boys were held, I saw a reflection of myself in them. I knew these young men were searching for what I had once longed for — a father figure,” James said.

He initially felt unworthy to mentor them due to his own troubled past, but a deeper part of him knew he was up to the task.

After several visits, James noticed many of the boys had not been visited by their families. He began reconnecting them with relatives and even those they had offended — all on a volunteer basis.

In January 2013, driven to do more, James quit his TV job and fully committed to mentorship. That marked the beginning of Lifesong Kenya.

"Lifesong means life itself is a song, if you wake up on a daily basis focusing on hat you lack and don't have that becomes your identity. But if you choose to work and do better to change your situation, you change the lifesong from victim mentality to a winner," explained James.

Halfway Safe House

After eight years of working with juvenile offenders, James founded Halfway Safe House, a haven of healing and restoration for boys who’ve been rejected, abused or abandoned by their families.

Through life coaching, mentorship, life skills, counselling, and providing a safe environment, he helps them rebuild their lives, because he knows that pain all too well.

Today, James houses three boys at Halfway House situated in Ngong' area of Kajiado county which he said can host up to 20 boys at a go.

He told TUKO.co.ke the safe house was initially intended for boys coming out of prison, but he soon realised many more boys on the streets were equally in need of help.

Despite financial struggles from covering school fees to paying staff salaries and basic needs — James says he is proud of how far his team has come.

“We need funding because at the end of the day, there’s rent, school fees, food and staff allowances. I’m so grateful for my five-person team who have stood strong and kept the house running,” he said.

Together with the boys, James and his team care for chickens, goats, and rabbits. They also plant vegetables and maize in a small space, which helps feed the household.

What life is like at Halfway Safe House

TUKO.co.ke spoke to the three boys currently living at the home.

Derrick (not his real name) said he is grateful to have a roof over his head. Abandoned as a child, he doesn’t know any of his family.

“I grew up in the streets. A lot happened to me there. I hope to have a big family someday and adopt many boys so that no one ever feels alone like I did,” he said.

He added that he wishes well-wishers would step in to help James pay their school fees so he can return to school.

Tony (not his real name) shared the same concerns.

He dreams of becoming a preacher, an IT expert, or an engineer — if God gives him the chance.

“I want to change my destiny. My mum is alive, but we have no home. That’s how I ended up in the streets. People often assume only girls need help, but if you look at the streets, you’ll see more boys than girls,” he said.

Brian (not his real name) expressed sadness about the hand life had dealt them but hoped to one day reunite with his family — if conditions allow.

He added that Halfway House feels like a second home.

The three boys said they especially look forward to days when James takes them to church, cycling, or out with his family and friends.

According to James, giving the boys exposure to the outside world through social outings, games, and interaction with others is key to their healing and reintegration into society.

“I know these boys are all different, so I try to handle each one individually. But I also use my own life as a guide whenever I feel overwhelmed. I know they need me just like I once needed a father-figure in my life,” he said.

He also praised the unwavering support from his family, especially his wife, who has weathered every storm with him and a group of friends who support Lifesong Kenya on a monthly basis.

Source: TUKO.co.ke