Kenyans have been urged to take care of the elderly as the country joined the world to mark International Day for Older Persons.
The appeal has been made by Mama Ibado Charity, an organisation that takes care of vulnerable elderly persons in Kakamega and Isiolo Counties with the aim of restoring their dignity.
The organisation marked the International Day for Older Persons in Kakamega, a day that coincided with their monthly feeding programme to 300 vulnerable seniors.
Programme Development Manager for Mama Ibado Charity Liesa Bidali says that for the many years that the organisation has supported the seniors, they have realised the elderly in the society face various challenges that include hunger and health issues.
She said as a result, Mama Ibado distributes food to the most vulnerable elders and has also launched weekly clinics for their medical checkups and treatment.
“We would like to have an appeal where everyone can reach out to a senior person for purposes of knowing how they are doing; a chat a day can help as well as offer some food. We also look forward to working with individuals and organisations that are like-minded and who can help us work with seniors in the interventions that we are working with,” she added.
The Programme Coordinator for Mama Ibado Charity Organisation Kakamega Branch, Naima Salim, said that the support they give has restored hope among most of the elders who were living in poverty.
Salim noted that the organisation supports the elderly persons who are vulnerable, lack a means of livelihood, and lack support, yet they are the ones taking care of their siblings and grandchildren.
She noted that the elders now feel accepted in society and are living happy lives due to the food distribution programme and healthcare.
She asked for more partners to come on board and support the organisation to be able to absorb more elderly men in their programmes.
Peter Savai, an 87-year-old elderly man who is a beneficiary, expressed joy for being part of beneficiaries of the feeding and healthcare programme.
Stanley Atito, a 50-year-old elderly man living with disability, appreciated the organisation for enabling them to get food.
By Moses Wekesa
