Martin Simiyu Wamalwa – Africa East

Senior Vice President Africa East

Martin grew up in Nairobi and Kitale, Kenya, and has six full siblings and many half-siblings, since his mother was one of seven wives to his father. He grew up in church, although he describes his early involvement as a “goer” rather than a “doer.” Martin got involved with Young Life in 2004, when he was working as a youth pastor. He previously led all training for Young Life Africa and has served as Regional Director  in Western Kenya. In 2019, Martin was promoted to be the first vice president of Africa East and today he is the senior vice president of Africa East. He supervises the established geography and provides more hands-on supervision and leadership development of staff. He also continues to cast vision and work to develop ministry in new areas and countries. Martin is a leader in the Young Life Kahawa West neighborhood. This impoverished neighborhood is full of kids and families who are struggling to survive, and are disinterested in a relationship with Christ. Yet God has transformed this neighborhood – many of his former Young Life kids are now Young Life or church leaders, and he is thankful for the ways that the Lord continues to grow their ministry.