Martin Simiyu Wamalwa – Africa East

Vice President Africa East

Martin is creative and funny, a coach and trainer who empowers people to live out their God-given potential. He grew up in Nairobi and Kitale, Kenya, and has six full siblings. He also has 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 served as Regional Director of Young Life in Western Kenya.

In 2019, Martin was promoted to be the first vice president of Africa East, which includes overseeing current ministry in Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda. 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 takes part 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 – now, Martin sees the ways that the community is surrounding the ministry and getting involved. 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. He sees Young Life as a “game changer” for the future of his country and his continent. Martin is married to Alice and father to four kids. He also cares for his two nieces, whose mother (Martin’s sister) died 15 years ago. Martin is an incredible man of God.