In 2019, the Bible Society of Kenya embarked on a mission to bring the Word of God to visually impaired (VI) students through the Faith Comes By Hearing (FCBH) project alongside Braille Bible Distribution.

They distributed audio Bibles to Thika School for the Blind to be used among students and teachers. Six years later, on February 19th and 20th, 2025, BSK returned to Thika School to witness the fruits of their Labor.

About Thika School for the Blind

Thika School for the Blind, Comprehensive School, is a public school started by the Salvation Army in 1946. It was the first VI School in East and Central Africa and the largest VI School in Kenya. It started as a rehabilitation centre to support soldiers who got injured during the Second World War. The Salvation Army gave the 12-acre land to the government to help rehabilitate the soldiers. 

Later in 1952, two girls who were blind in Nairobi Hospital were referred in the rehabilitation centre to be supported and learn from the institution. With time, the home for 2 girls grew to support 400 girls and boys from Kenya and parts of Eastern Africa.

With 32 dedicated teachers, 18 of whom are visually impaired and 30 support staff, the school provides a nurturing environment for students from early childhood development (ECD) to Junior Secondary levels. The school also accommodates children with other disabilities like dyslexia, autism, albinism and even cancer and HIV Aids as long as the primary disability is visual impairment. This school ensures inclusivity and comprehensive support.

Impact of the Audio Bibles

The audio Bibles have had a profound impact on the teacher’s and students’ lives. The School headteacher, Mrs. Peninah says that her C.R.E. teachers take charge of the Pastoral Programme for Instruction every Friday morning with pride because the Audio Bibles have made the understanding of the Word much easier.

“My students easily operate it, they love how portable and handy it is, it cannot get spoilt easily. Every classroom has its schedule and listening group leaders take Bible listening and study seriously to lead others. Every dormitory has an audio Bible and the students do bible study every night before they sleep. They have been working as a family and their bond has grown with their house parents. “Madam Peninah.

The teacher who has been championing Faith Comes by Hearing, Mrs. Nancy has been a breath of fresh air to students. She has with time known all of them, with their strengths and encouraged them to build their lives in Jesus and to be ambassadors wherever they go. At home they are preachers. We allow them to go with audio Bibles at home and come back with them to school. This has built self-esteem because they know their teachers believe in them to be responsible and that they can reach out to their parents. They believe that something good can come from them. For some, they have grown in music because most of their leisure time is spent listening to the Audio bible and singing.”

Damaris TerryAnne, a 17-year-old Grade 8 student, also expressed her gratitude for the audio Bible. “I love the audio Bible because it is portable and has all books in one gadget,” she shared. Her favourite verse, Joshua 1:9, has been her anchor through life’s storms. Damaris comes from a biological family that misunderstood and punished her for being blind and found a supportive Godly family at Thika School.

“It is important for people to listen to the Word in groups because God speaks to people in different ways and there are so many insights to share. He likes the fact that it is solar-powered. My best Bible story is Jesus’ heart going towards the widow of Nain’s son. My mother is a widow and thus the story encourages me on the many miracles God can do to her. She has suffered a lot: sometimes having nothing to give us for food, lacking school fees and to some extent house rent. My faith and trust in God are stirred every time I think about Jesus’ Story towards a widow. A sudden moment of Jesus’ Visit can change her situation. In my blind state, I encourage myself daily that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. That’s where I draw my inspiration from in all circumstances. I am reminded that there is nothing I cannot do strengthened by God. I have improved in Christian Religious Education out of listening to the Audio Bible” John Kariuki, 18-year-old, Grade 9, Thika School for the Blind- Born Blind.

“Listening to the Audio Bible as a group helps one ask clarification on what they did not understand hence making one learn. In my first experience of listening to the audio Bible, I felt so nice because of the sound effects. They are just brilliant! The best part of the Bible that I can listen to over and over is the story of Joseph in Genesis. I appreciate much the choices he made as a young man: trustworthiness and a forgiving spirit. Those are some of the values I have embraced. The scripture that makes me think deeply about life is about Jesus’ Return. It helps me prepare for His return.” Adult Aluk, 11-year-old, Grade 5, Initially from South Sudan, Thika School for the Blind-Blind at 4 years old.

“I am a former teacher at the Thika School for the Blind but currently a learner at Mount Kenya University in my final year studying Diploma in Special Needs. I always come to visit my alumni school because I have a heart to minister to such students who are like me. Audio Bible makes me feel like am closer to God The bulking of the Braille Bible makes sit hard to follow through, but the Talking Bible has all the books in one gadget. That is amazingly great because the VI Students can navigate with ease.” Emmanuel Kirui, Student Teacher, Thika School for the Blind.

Integration of Audio and Braille Bibles

The Braille Bibles are now complemented by the audio versions, making it easier for students to navigate through scriptures during personal devotions or even when tasked to prepare sermons. The braille bibles are quite bulky but with the integration with Audio scriptures, it is more manageable.

Our Efforts Are Bearing Eternal Fruit

BSK’s follow-up visit revealed the significant progress made over the past six years. The seeds of audio Bibles planted in 2019 have grown into a flourishing garden of faith, love, hope, joy and resilience. The students’ receiving Christ as their Savior, improving performance in Christian Religious Education, uniting more as a family, changing behaviour for the better and growing in leadership is more than we could imagine. God is doing more in this school, and we are all part of it because of our obedience to GO!

As the BSK continues to support Thika School for the Blind and other VI specialized schools, the message is clear: we are all image-bearers of God: sighted or blind, crippled, lame: God’s love is unbound, and His Kingdom is Open to all.