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A Legacy of Community and Care

The Mount Elgon Trust (MET) was established in 2005 to professionally manage the growing community and development initiatives linked to Mount Elgon Orchard Ltd (MEO). Founded and chaired by Bob Andersen, MET builds on a long family history in the Kitale region, where generations have contributed to agriculture and community care—from introducing new crops in the 1920s to providing basic healthcare services to local residents.

In 1993, Bob met Dutch doctor Bea Schipper (MSF). After local patients began seeking her help, their shared commitment led to marriage in 1995 and the opening of a clinic in 1996. Supported by the Dutch foundation SOK, the initiative expanded to include voluntary HIV testing and counselling (VTC) by 1998.

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Medical services 

As the clinic expanded, the impact of the HIV epidemic became clear, leaving many children orphaned. In response, a Children’s Home was established in a converted garage of Bob’s grandfather..

In 2007, the Andersen Medical Centre was built with support from DEG and MEO. Today, it is a level 3A hospital treating over 80 patients daily, offering a wide range of services including maternity care, immunisation, and community outreach for vulnerable groups.

Education

Education initiatives began in 1998 with a primary school for farm workers’ children. Since then, the programme has expanded to include early childhood education and a high school. Today, the primary school serves over 1,400 students, with more than 20,000 graduates to date.

The Andersen Vocational Training Centre offers practical skills training to over 400 students. In 2026, a new Special Needs School will open, providing specialised education alongside tailored therapies to support learners with diverse needs.

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Community development 

In 2006, the Trust expanded its work to address housing and livelihoods. By 2010, 94 affordable homes were built and sold to local families through interest-free microfinance. That same year, the Farmers Training Centre was launched, now training around 400 farmers annually in sustainable agriculture.

Community outreach, which began in 1996 with feeding programmes, has grown to include healthcare visits, vaccinations, and support for vulnerable groups. In 2018, a Capacity Building Program was introduced, training local groups in life skills and entrepreneurship—reaching over 1,250 participants by 2024.

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Spiritual support

A central portion of Trust land was donated to the Catholic Church to support spiritual well-being. The Poor Sisters of the Mother of God established a convent, and the Church continues to provide guidance for succession planning and community development.

The Trust today

MET continues to provide professional management for its diverse initiatives, combining healthcare, education, community development, and housing. Its programs remain committed to empowering local residents and creating sustainable, long-term impact.

Special thanks

We are grateful to the many individuals, families, companies, and foundations whose support has made the work of the Mount Elgon Trust possible.

Special recognition to:

  • Henk Schipper, Chiel Ribbens, and the SOK foundation for education and fundraising support;
  • Ad & Anke Wayers, Jan Veenman & Sarah, the Hulme Family, Paul Leventhal, Ole Robert Reitan, and Rema 1000 for contributions to education and healthcare projects;
  • Bert Bolkenstein, for long-term financial and moral support;
  • DEG Bank and corporate partners for enabling the hospital, housing, and vocational training initiatives;
  • The Catholic Church and the Poor Sisters of the Mother of God for spiritual guidance and support;
  • Community members, volunteers, and staff whose daily commitment brings these projects to life.

Your vision, generosity and dedication continue to strengthen our mission and impact.

Also a special thanks to:

  • Dr. Bea Schipper, in recognition of her vision and unwavering dedication in setting up the Mount Elgon Trust. Her relentless search for collaboration with partner institutions, her deep connection with the local communities, and the countless hours of hard work — the true blood, sweat, and tears behind MET — have laid the foundation for everything we are able to do today. Her dedication and compassionate vision continue to inspire and uplift everyone whose lives she touches.

  • Bob Andersen and the Andersen family. It is thanks to the success of the farm that Mount Elgon Trust was able to become a reality. Mount Elgon Orchards remains our steadfast supporter, generously providing for salaries, maintenance, building materials, and monthly expenses. Bob’s tireless work, generosity, and life philosophy—“don’t be the richest man in the graveyard”—continue to inspire everyone at MET. As he always says, Tuka Pamoja: we are together, and together we shall thrive. His generosity and guidance have left an enduring mark on MET and the communities we serve.

  • Trustee Cherry Ann Dale, for decades of invaluable support in management and governance, both as a manager and trustee. Her ongoing guidance, mentorship, and hands-on help have been a tremendous support to us in our day-to-day work.

  • Trustee Isaac Ngetich, for his leadership and steadfast support as a trustee. We deeply appreciate his guidance and dedication in helping to steer the organization, both through financial management and strategic vision.
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