The Spark- Faith’s Inspiration : Where It All Began
Childhood in Kilungu and early hikes.” Dr. Faith Mwende’s story
I come from Kilungu, Makueni County, a mountainous and scenic area. As a child, I would often go on family adventures and take small hikes. My first hike was in class 3 on a brief adventure to Mt. Kyauttaa in Kilungu. Picnics and nature trails as a young girl, followed by outdoor activities as a Girl Guide and a ranger in primary and secondary schools, sowed the seed that would feed my enthusiasm for mountaineering. Eventually, I began hiking with my brother Stephen Makau, who later became my trainer when I decided to take up serious hiking. Nature shaped my love for adventure, and as a nature enthusiast, the mountains are my second home.
Faith’s Quote: “Every hill I climbed as a child is proof that there’s no summit too high.”
The Dream: The Everest Mission
Dr. Faith’s love for hiking inspired the “No Summit Too High” concept. In 2023, she set out to become the first Kenyan woman to conquer Mount Everest while also raising awareness about mental health problems among women and youth, which are a big global concern. During her journey to Mount Everest, she would also promote Kenya as an adventure tourism destination and hiking as a niche tourist market and sport.
The hikes are documented and shared on social media to demonstrate the unique beauty of what Kenya has to offer in mountaineering sports while sharing Dr. Faith Mwende’s journey to the world’s highest peak. She previously acclimated to the Mt. Everest Base Camp and climbed at the highest climbing gym in the world – Khumbu Climbing Canter at Phortse, Nepal in 2021.
For this expedition, Dr. Faith Mwende partnered with James Kagambi, the first Kenyan to conquer Mt. Everest, to prepare for the ultimate challenge by hiking Kenyan mountains.
The Foundation: From Passion to Purpose: An Evolution from personal triumph to social movement
It all began with a dream on a mountain. A dream to turn every summit into a call for change. The No Summit Too High Foundation is not just about reaching peaks; it’s about conquering the challenges our planet faces below them. Founded by Dr. Faith Mwende, a fearless adventurer who has summited over 20 of the world’s highest mountains, including 13 ascents of Mt. Kenya, three climbs of Kilimanjaro, and a daring attempt on Mt. Everest, the Foundation uses mountaineering as a powerful symbol of resilience and hope.
Our mission is simple yet profound: to promote responsible exploration of fragile mountain ecosystems and raise awareness and critical resources for climate action. We take the spirit of adventure and channel it into climate action, reforestation, and mental wellness programs that connect people to nature’s calm and purpose. In partnership with Makueni County and other allies, we’ve planted trees, led conservation drives, and inspired youth to become the next generation of environmental and mental health advocates.
For us, every summit is more than a climb; it’s a statement that no challenge is too high when purpose leads the way.
“No Summit Too High – Climbing for Mind, Planet, and Purpose.”
Meet the Founder: Bio, achievements, and leadership roles
Dr. Faith Mwende Christopher is a CIFA, Senior Compliance Officer at CMA, Youth Mentor, Peer Counsellor, Mental Health Coach, golfer, nature enthusiast and mountaineer. She has a financial background, having earned a Doctorate in Finance in 2021 from the United States International University (USIU), Africa, and Columbia University in New York. She is a mental health advocate and peer educator who received her training at the Kenya School of Government in Embu.
Dr Faith enjoys giving back to the community by mentoring the youth and offering free mental health seminars at universities, such as the University of Nairobi Finance & Investment Student Association (FISA), where she also serves as a board member and advisor. She also volunteers in the USIU mentorship programme.
She is also a board member at Kabarak University, Precious Blood Secondary School, Kilungu, Kithangathini Primary School-Makueni, and Kithangathini Secondary School-Makueni.
She enjoys conquering mountains to advocate for climate change and mental health.
Mission | Vision | Values
Mission
To champion mental health, youth empowerment, and environmental conservation through hiking and mountaineering.
Vision
A world where no physical or emotional summit is too high to conquer.
Values
Resilience | Empathy | Sustainability | Sustainability | Courage | Community.
Meet The Board
