Support The Kibe Family

Hi everyone! During our healthcare internships with International Medical Aid here in Mombasa, Kenya, we have had the privilege of getting to know a man named David Kibe and his family. David is a bus driver from Nairobi, a loving husband to his wife Monica, and a proud father of Kevin, Faith, and Nathan.

On September 16, David was driving his bus from Mombasa to Nairobi when he was involved in a head on collision. He was taken to Mombasa’s Coast Provincial General Hospital (CPGH) in critical condition after sustaining multiple traumatic injuries including but not limited to a ruptured bladder, fractures in both femurs, a broken arm, a skull fracture, and neurological damage (the extent of which has yet to be determined). Currently, he is in the intensive care unit (ICU) fighting bravely to recover.

In Kenya, their National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) costs $500 KES per month, which equates to $5 CAD or less than $5 USD, and includes coverage for the entire family. While this may seem affordable, the reality is that the majority of Kenyans live in poverty, with 33% living on less than $1.90 USD per day. Unfortunately, the Kibe family does not have NHIF coverage.

Without NHIF coverage, a day in the ICU costs about $5 CAD/USD depending on the medical equipment required, in addition to the cost of any operations and procedures. After 2 weeks in the ICU with necessary operations, medications, and assessments, David’s bill amounts to over $1000 USD/CAD.

These expenses come alongside other financial costs for Monica and her family, as they have traveled from Nairobi and are staying in an Airbnb while David recovers. David’s work as a bus driver was the sole source of income for their family so with him out of work for the foreseeable future, these unexpected expenses have created an insurmountable financial burden for the Kibes.

Upon meeting Nathan and Faith outside of the hospital this past week, we never would have suspected that they were going through such immense stress and hardship with the strength and optimism that they exude. While Monica spends time at David’s bedside, Faith has stepped up to teach Nathan his kindergarten curriculum while he’s away from class, and Nathan has been busy collecting flowers around the hospital to gift people on their way out.

When we visited David this past week, he showed significant improvement. While he is still unable to speak, he communicates non-verbally and has maintained seemingly all other neurological functions. He now knows us and waves excitedly when we come to visit—he even scrolls through the photos we show him of his family and smiles through the intubation mouth piece.

With adequate financial means, David’s future is hopeful. We interns will be putting forward the money to sponsor the Kibe family’s NHIF registration for the next two years to ensure David can access the rehabilitation services he will undoubtedly need. It takes 60 days for the plan to become active, so we are looking to raise funds to support them in the meantime, and while knowing that it could be a long time before David is able to work again. If you are able, we and they would greatly appreciate any monetary donations to help their family through this difficult time. Even $5 USD/CAD is enough to fund a day in ICU or a month of health insurance for their family—a little can go a long way!

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for taking the time to learn a bit about this resilient, kind, and deserving family. We are so grateful for any and all support. ❤️

Sincerely,

Jill & Brynne