Thomas Barnardo's House was founded in 1961 by the "Barnardo's" child care organization of the United Kingdom. Originally built to house 35 children, the home was operated by the Barnardo's until 1971. At that time a new charity was formed called Kenya Christian Homes. Barnardo's graciously donated the facility to the new charity and allowed them to use the name Thomas Barnardo's House. Since 1971 the home has operated independently and grown to its current capacity of 150 children. The home is organized into family units, in which a 'mother' takes care of her 'family' of children.