KUEF Welcomes New Music Program Director Michael L. Labertew

The Kenyan Urithi Education Fund (KUEF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael L. Labertew to the newly created position of Music Program Director.  In this role, Michael will work with our Kenyan partners at the Bishop Lawi Imathiu Secondary School (BLISS) to continue to strengthen existing music programs and to explore opportunities for expansion.

Michael is from Park City, Utah and has recently retired from the practice of law after nearly 40 years.  He currently manages a family office and a charitable foundation. His musical background includes orchestral and piano composition, Director of Music at Park City Community Church, and Percussionist with the Salt Lake Symphony. He has been an ardent supporter of KUEF for over 15 years. Michael visited Kithoka, Kenya for the first time in September 2025 and since then has worked closely with Timothy Ngoroi, the Director of the BLISS band, and Evelyn Peter, who is assisting with the vocal music program at BLISS. 

“It was inspiring to see and hear the quality of the music programs at BLISS this past fall, and to witness, first hand, how those programs translate to a more rewarding educational experience, for the students as well as for the school.” Michael said. 

KUEF’s vision is to eliminate poverty through education and a strong music program at BLISS will greatly assist KUEF in achieving this vision.

Please join the KUEF Board in welcoming Michael to this exciting new position. 

A Grateful Farewell and Continued Partnership

Dr. Al Metz's Contributions to KUEF

By John Kline, KUEF President

Dr. Al Metz has resigned from being KUEF’s Secretary and Board member, effective January 1, 2026. We are all very grateful for Al’s many contributions to the Board and to KUEF’s mission of eliminating poverty through education in the Kithoka community.

Al joined the KUEF Board in January 2016. As a Doctor in Veterinary Medicine, he shared his knowledge and interest in Science and Agriculture to improve those areas of education for many Kenyan youth learning at Kithoka and Gichunge primary schools, BLISS secondary school, and the Polytechnic school. We are pleased that Al has agreed to continue in an advisory role for the KUEF Board and the schools that KUEF supports.

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Sincerely,
John Kline, KUEF President  |  Brian Ward, KUEF Director at Large