1963
Est. in Kenya
Kenya & Tanzania Province

Serving the
Little Ones
of Africa

An apostolic congregation bringing healing, education and the love of Christ to communities across East Africa since 1963.

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Karen, Nairobi
Karen, Nairobi
Abosi
Abosi
Nyahururu
Nyahururu
Arusha, Tanzania
Arusha, Tanzania
Mutomo, Kitui
Mutomo, Kitui

"We want to be of service to our fellow men and women, always ready to assist where our helping hands are needed most."

Charism of
Mgr. Peter Joseph Savelberg
What We Do

Three Pillars of Our Ministry

Rooted in the charism of our Founder, the Little Sisters of Saint Joseph serve through prayer, education and healthcare β€” reaching the most vulnerable communities across Kenya and Tanzania.

01
πŸ™

Apostolic Mission

Following and imitating our Lord Jesus Christ, we serve the poor and little ones neglected by society β€” orphans, the sick, and the most marginalized in East Africa.

02
πŸ“š

Education

Running primary schools in Namanga and across Maasai land, giving children a foundation of knowledge, dignity and faith in areas of great need.

03
πŸ•ŠοΈ

Healthcare & Retreats

Operating retreat centres and vocational training schools β€” the Savelberg Retreat Centres and community healthcare across both provinces.

Cross
Our Roots

Mgr. Peter Joseph Savelberg

Born in Heerlen, Netherlands in 1827 and ordained priest of the Roermond Diocese in 1854, Mgr. Savelberg was a man of deep prayer whose heart was filled with love for the poor. He founded the Little Sisters of Saint Joseph to serve the "little ones" β€” in simplicity, frugality and total dedication to those most in need.

He gave his sisters the name "Little Sisters" so that simplicity and service would be the hallmark of their lives β€” a charism that continues to shape every community in Kenya and Tanzania today.

1827
Born, Heerlen
1963
Sisters Arrive Kenya
Today
10+ Communities
Where We Are

Our Communities

From Nairobi to the Maasai highlands, from Kilgoris to Arusha β€” our sisters live and serve in communities across East Africa.

St. Joseph Mother House

St. Joseph Mother House

Kilgoris, Kenya
Savelberg Retreat Centre

Savelberg Retreat Centre

Adams Arcade, Nairobi
Nyahururu Community

Nyahururu Community

Nyahururu, Kenya

10 Active Communities

From Mt. Alverna to St. Mary Magdalene, our sisters are present across Kenya β€” and in Arusha and Moshi in Tanzania.

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Our Journey

60 Years in East Africa

1960
The Call Comes to Kenya
Mgr. John de Reeper requests sisters from Heerlen to assist among the Maasai in Kilgoris.
1963
First Sisters Arrive
Sr. Paule Crombach and four sisters leave Heerlen on 19 January for Kilgoris.
1975
Province Established
The Kenya/Tanzania Province is officially established, expanding the congregation's presence.
2012
Savelberg Primary School Opens
A new school opens among the Maasai in Namanga, on the Kenya–Tanzania border.
Today
Growing & Serving
10+ communities across Kenya and Tanzania, running schools, retreat centres and vocational programmes.
Latest Updates

News & Stories

Stories of faith, service and community from across our province.

Uncategorized

Hello world!

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March 2026
News

It matters what you contribute

19 Sep 2014 It matters what you contribute Posted by LSSJ, With 0 Comments, Category: Stories and Contributions, A certain…

July 2019
News

Commitment and sacrifice

19 Sep 2014 Commitment and sacrifice Posted by LSSJ, With 0 Comments, Category: Stories and Contributions, Story of a pig…

July 2019
News

Travel Back

19 Sep 2014 Travel Back Posted by LSSJ, With 0 Comments, Category: News, Travel Back, Sr. Josephine Oigo On 10th…

July 2019
News

Transfers

19 Sep 2014 Transfers Posted by LSSJ, With 0 Comments, Category: Transfers, Sr. Lucy Kerubo from Sr.Francis Community – Lemek…

July 2019
Get In Touch

Walk With Us

Whether you are seeking a retreat, exploring a vocation, or simply want to learn more about our mission β€” we welcome you.

Phone
+254 720 853 950
Email
info@lssjafrica.org
Address
P.O BOX 24557-00502, Nairobi