People of AMPATH: Dunya Karama, Program Administrator

IU House is home for AMPATH Consortium faculty members, learners and guests whether they are in Eldoret for a few days, several weeks or many years.

Hello! My name is Dunya Karama and I am considered the Kenyan “mama” to all who enter the doors of IU House. I started work here in 2000.

I have had several different team leaders since… all of whom have brought a unique style and since of warmth to the program and the grounds.

Dunya Karama greets all visitors at IU House.

My current role encompasses many different areas. I am in charge of all guest accommodations and transportation. Whenever a guest is coming we know about it and desire to ensure proper hospitality. We take care of paperwork from VISA applications to verification of passports. We want to make sure all guests feel welcome and safe.  

I also supervise 21 employees. The staff works to help keep the grounds clean, provides cooking for the guests and even does the laundry on occasion! I work to make sure that everyone complies with the rules and regulations. IU House has been a blessing to all of us who work here. We are like family.

What have you learned from the role?

Throughout my time working and partnering with the IU House I have learned that this is an exceptional program. People involved with the IU program and AMPATH have really helped our people here in Kenya. They have changed stereotypes associated with epidemic diseases.

I have learned that you need to appreciate things and I have learned what a big impact this program makes. I have learned about different cultures and different people.

What is your favorite thing about work?

I love working together as a team… as a family. When you find someone appreciating your work it gives you the motivation to want to do more, give more, and to do your best. It doesn’t matter what position you hold – there is no hierarchy here. I have loved meeting different kinds of people and making friends! I have met so many good people. I feel as though I am here to serve the people and welcome them to Kenya.

What are some of the challenges you interface?

We have many cultural differences which can be difficult. At times, what people anticipate and what we give can be different. IU House is a multi-cultural place which we hope and anticipate will grow and welcome many guests for years to come.

Parting words…

IU House is a very special place for many people, including me. It is child-friendly, it is fun, and it is welcoming. We all play a small part to make this program sustainable. Everyone who walks the grounds of the compound plays a vital role in different ways. It’s a very unique program that has been created here and we want to share it with the world. On behalf of Kenya, I want to say thank you – we appreciate this program so much and consider it a blessing.

Special thanks to Kelly Bennett and Brian Chou with Eli Lilly Connecting Hearts Abroad for helping to share Dunya’s story.