Doug Sparks
Team Leader, Founding Missionary • 1956
American
Led the pioneer team from Formosa to Kenya; claimed Genesis 22:17–18 over Africa while watching the stars over Nairobi.
Heritage of Leadership
A Legacy of Stewardship
From the first missionaries in 1956 to the current national leadership, these men and women have faithfully discipled generations to know Christ and make Him known.
Country Leaders Over the Years
Those who have served as the national leaders of The Navigators in Kenya since its inception in 1956.
Joe and Dottie Shankle
Founding Missionaries • 1956–1957
American
Set up the Westlands home base and Correspondence School; Joe later returned to Fuller Theological College to complete his degree.
Ed and Ruth Reis
Country Leaders • 1957–1961
American
Arrived September 1957; Ed immediately rose to the challenge of leading the transition from camp ministry to church and village discipleship.
Robert (Bob) Howarth
Founding Missionary • 1956–1963
Kenyan-British (settler family)
Born and raised in Kenya; wrestled with his calling at Glen Eyrie before returning as a missionary; arrived by sea with ministry materials (27 August 1956).
David and Shirley Steel
Nav Representatives • 1963–1965
British
Focused on deepening one-on-one discipleship with six key Kenyan men — Mwiiri, Gitau, Thuo, Tumbo, Karuga, and Muhu.
Jim and Jeri White
Country Leaders — University Ministry • 1965–1973
American
Pioneered the university ministry at University of Nairobi; their home was a haven for students. Jeri went to be with the Lord in 2021; Jim in 2024.
Marvin and Georgette Smith
Country Leaders (transition) • 1974
American
Provided continuity between Jim White and Noel Nelson. Marvin went home to be with the Lord in 2007.
Noel and Karin Nelson
Country Leaders • 1974–1977
American
Led the Kenya work; first met Ove Tinggaard as a high school student in Copenhagen — they were reunited in Africa years later serving together.
Bruce and Marg Van Wyk
Country Leaders • 1977–1986
South African
Led Operation Joshua (1982), oversaw the purchase of Kindaruma Road property, and passed the leadership baton to Mutua Mahiaini in 1986.
Mutua and Stephanie Mahiaini
Country Leaders; International President • 1986–1995
First Kenyan Country Leaders (1986); Africa Regional Director (1998–2011); International President of The Navigators (2015–2025).
Dennis Tongoi & Nick Wanyoike
Country Leaders • 1995–2000
Dennis pioneered Eldoret ministry (1989) and Irene's ministry shaped a generation. Nick joined the 'God Squad' on motorcycles and later transitioned to the Africa Regional team. Together they co-led Kenya from 1995 to 2000.
Paul and Ciku Kimani
Country Leaders; Focus Ministry • 2000–2005
Pioneered Mombasa ministry (1994); Country Leaders after Dennis and Nick; now serve as alongsiders in the focus ministry network across Africa.
Stanley and Patience Mukolwe
Country Leaders • 2006–2015
Led a 600% growth in staff numbers and monthly fundraising; built the new office block at Kindaruma Road; established annual fundraising training seminars.
Christopher Amulo
Country Leaders; Africa Regional Team • 20 February 2016 – 7 October 2023
Deepened corporate prayer as the heartbeat of the ministry; established the revolving housing fund and endowment; now serves on the Africa Regional Team.
Alex Kiamba
Country Leaders (current) • 7 October 2023 – Current
Commissioned October 2023; trusting God to raise and send labourers to unreached people in Kenya and three African countries in the next five years.