.jpg)
Meet Esther Makokha, a resilient 55-year-old mother of five and grandmother of four from Kivikiyi village in Webuye Sub-County, Bungoma County, Kenya. A widow, an orphan, and the fifth born in a family of ten children, Esther’s life is a moving testimony of endurance, faith, and grace.
Esther lost her husband, the late Jonah Masinde Walucho, in 2002, when she was only thirty-two years old. Jonah’s sudden death changed her life significantly. She was left to raise their five children alone after being abandoned by her in-laws, who came and took away everything she and her husband worked for and owned. The journey was far from easy, but Esther pressed on, driven by love for her children and her unwavering trust in God.
A Quaker by birth, Esther is an active member of Kuywa Monthly Meeting, under Lugulu Yearly Meeting. Her passion for church work began when she was a youth, inspired by her late parents, who encouraged her to serve. She started as a Sunday school teacher, later joined the choir, and has remained deeply committed to serving her church, though not as a full-time pastoral minister.
Despite the challenges, Esther never gave up on her dream of studying theology. In 2021, she enrolled at Friends Theological College (FTC), Lugulu campus, where she completed a Certificate in Pastoral Ministry. Her commitment, outstanding performance, and desire to uplift her family caught the attention of her lecturers. In 2023, she joined the main campus in Kaimosi for her Bachelor of Theology (modular session), and was awarded the McDonald Widow’s Scholarship to support her studies.
Esther describes the modular program as a blessing—it allows her to spend time with her family while also focusing on her education. Speaking through tears of joy, she shared how the scholarship has transformed her life and given her a glimpse of hope for the future. She testifies: “I never imagined that someone could sponsor my education. It feels like a miracle. This scholarship has brought me dignity, and now I’m looked at as someone who has gone to school. I thank God so much for this opportunity.”
When asked if she had a message for the McDonald family, who created the scholarship, Esther couldn’t hold back her emotions: “I am so grateful. I pray that the sponsor will continue to hold my hand until I complete this journey. I want to change my story—from a life of struggle to a testimony of success. I trust God that I will make it, in Jesus’ name.”
Esther hopes to graduate in 2027 with her Bachelor of Theology and dreams of continuing to the Master’s level if her sponsor will allow her to do so. Her goal is to break the cycle of poverty in her family and to use her education to serve God and her community more effectively.
Esther’s story is a shining example of what faith, determination, and a helping hand can achieve. We celebrate Esther Makokha, a woman of courage, grace, and unwavering hope.
Laureen Luvembe
Friends Theological College, Kaimosi
